Left of Lansing

Left of Lansing
  • 5.0 (11)
  • News
  • Updated Semiweekly

An insight into Michigan's progressive political and pop cultural scene. Pat Johnston highlights how the progressive movement is helping shape Michigan's political landscape with opinion and interviews. It's time to make Michigan's political machine work for the people!

  1. Diop Harris II--Progressive Democrat For Michigan's 4th Congressional District

    1d ago

    Diop Harris II--Progressive Democrat For Michigan's 4th Congressional District

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's Episode #186 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-19:44: Sen.Debate/Platner Out The Dear Leader Trump Sports Curse continues, this time he helped lead to the demise of the U.S. Men's Soccer team in the World Cup. Pat covers a bit of the debate between Abdul El Sayed and Haley Stevens for Michigan's U.S. Senate seat, and how Stevens represents establishment Democrats who count on corporate bribes while refusing to fight for the working class. And, Pat gives his reaction to progressive Graham Platner dropping-out of Maine's Senate race, and how corporate-establishment Democrats are using Platner's demise to sink the entire progressive movement. 19:45-48:40: Diop Harris II Interview Diop Harris II joins the show to talk about his progressive campaign for Michigan's 4th Congressional District where MAGA Republican incumbent Bill Huizenga is running again. Diop and Pat talk about his campaign, his progressive roots, his work in progressive politics in Michigan & Washington D.C., and why he's better suited to face Huizenga than the other Democrats in the race. They cover ICE and immigration, farmers, data centers, Medicare For All, corporate corruption, and more. Visit: https://www.diop4mi.com/Diop Harris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diop4mi/Diop Harris on Twitter: https://x.com/Diop4MIDiop Harris on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diop4miFollow The Money: democracyisourpower.com48:41-52:53: Last Call In the Last Call, a new AP Poll shows that a significant number of Jewish Americans oppose Israel's actions in Gaza. 50:01-54:31: Ending Click here to vote on LOL Weekly Poll: Will A Candidate's Stance on Israel Play A Key Role in How You'll Vote in the August Primary?Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES: "Obamacare premiums likely to surge again next year." By Nada Hassanein of Michigan Advance "Democrat Graham Platner says he plans to withdraw from Maine Senate race after sexual assault claim." By Kimberlee Kruesi and Meg Kinnard of AP "AP-NORC poll: About 3 in 10 US adults believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians." By Steve Peoples and Linley Sanders of AP "El-Sayed, Stevens trade pointed barbs in Democratic U.S. Senate debate." By Todd Spangler of The Detroit Free Press #podcast #progressives #Democrats #DemocraticSocialism #MAGA #Republicans #BillHuizenga #Michigan #Fascism #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorrution #CorporatePACS #GovernmentCorrutpion #AbdulElSayed #WorkingClass #Economy #Obamacare #DataCenters #AIPAC #EpsteinClass #WealthInequality #DiopHarris #Congress #GrahamPlatner #Donors #Israel #Trump #Authoritarianism #AI #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    55 min
  2. Monday Musing: McMorrow Drops-Out of Michigan Senate Race

    4d ago

    Monday Musing: McMorrow Drops-Out of Michigan Senate Race

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for July 6, 2026! Democratic State Senator Mallory McMorrow announces she's dropping-out of the Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate primary race. That means it's just a two-person race between the progressive frontrunner, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, and Congresswoman "Ms. AIPAC" Haley Stevens.  Pat Johnston talks about the ramifications of McMorrow's announcement, and how he's not surprised how some Democratic officeholders, like Attorney General Dana Nessel, are suddenly rushing to support "centrist" Stevens. Click here to vote on LOL Weekly Poll: Is Democratic Socialism On the Rise?Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES: "McMorrow suspends U.S. Senate campaign." By Jon King of Michigan Advance "Michigan AG drops all charges against seven pro-Palestinian protesters." By Tom Perkins of The Guardian #podcast #politics #Michigan #Progressives #DemocraticSocialism #Democrats #MalloryMcMorrow #AbdulElSayed #HaleyStevens #Senate #Election #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #GovernmentCorruption #DanaNessel #Israel #AIPAC #Protesters #UofM #Palestinian #DTE #EpsteinClass #Trump #Republicans #MAGA #WorkingClass #WealthInequality #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    5 min
  3. Friday Short: Progressives Winning By Fighting Corruption, Too

    6d ago

    Friday Short: Progressives Winning By Fighting Corruption, Too

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for July 3, 2026. Michigan progressive Democratic state Representative Betsy Coffia from the Traverse City region keeps winning elections in a once-safe Republican district because she demonstrates every day how she's backing the working class while fighting back against the rampant corporate and government corruption in Lansing. Progressives, like Betsy Coffia, are winning elections because they stand-up to corruption while sticking-up for strong, progressive working class values. Progressives, like Betsy Coffia, are in the mainstream as they fight to end the revolving door between government and corporate corruption. Those fighting to keep that revolving door spinning are the true extremists. Follow Rep. Coffia on Instagram: www.instagram.com/betsycoffia/Follow Rep. Coffia on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BetsyCoffia Click here to vote on LOL Weekly Poll: Is Democratic Socialism On the Rise?Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join

    5 min
  4. Progressive Democratic State Rep. Betsy Coffia

    Jul 2

    Progressive Democratic State Rep. Betsy Coffia

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's Episode #185 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-17:55: More DSA Victories/MI Senate Race LOL's Pat Johnston opens the show highlighting how another young Democratic Socialist defeated another Democratic incumbent in Congress, and this time it was in Denver, CO. Pat explains why progressives and Democratic Socialists are winning in Democratic primaries. 17:56-41:21: Betsy Coffia Interview Michigan progressive Democratic state Representative Betsy Coffia joins the show to talk about northwest Michigan politics, affordable housing, Medicare For All, representing the working class over corporations, and the lack of government transparency in Michigan. She also shares her progressive history, why she's never sold-out her working class values. Follow Rep. Coffia on Instagram: www.instagram.com/betsycoffia/Follow Rep. Coffia on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BetsyCoffia 41:22-48:27: Last Call on Progressive Long Game: In this week's "Last Call," as progressives and Democratic Socialists continue notching wins across Michigan and the country, we must remember this working class movement began a decade ago. 48:28-51:43: AOC Backs AES/Ending Click here to vote on LOL Weekly Poll: Is Democratic Socialism On the Rise? Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES: State Rep. Betsy Coffia reelection statement. "More Americans are hungry in the face of federal cuts, rising grocery prices." By Kevin Hardy of Michigan Advance "How Hasan Piker helped boost Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and what it tells us about the state of the Democratic Party." By Tom Perkins of Mondoweiss "Coffia, Rheingans Call for Health Care for All." By Michigan House DemocratsBetsy Coffia w/ Bernie Sanders in 2016. #podcast #politics #Progressives #Socialism #DemocraticSocialism #WorkingClass #Michigan #MAGA #Trump #Republicans #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #GovernmentCorruption #GovernmentTransparency #Capitalism #EpsteinClass #DataCenters #Housing #BetsyCoffia #GretchenWhitmer #AbdulElSayed #BernieSanders #DTE #CampaignFinance #Democrats #HaleyStevens #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    51 min
  5. Friday Short: Democratic "Centrists" Declare War On Democratic Socialists

    Jun 26

    Friday Short: Democratic "Centrists" Declare War On Democratic Socialists

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for June 26, 2026. After three Democratic Socialists from New York City defeated three Democratic corporate-establishment candidates, the so-called "centrist" Democrats are declaring war on MAGA!  Oh, wait.  Centrists aren't declaring war on MAGA or the Trump Regime. They're declaring war on the Democratic Socialist movement that's gaining more and more influence and momentum within the Democratic Party.  Pat Johnston explains why these "centrists" are fearing a Democratic Socialist takeover of their party. Click here to vote on Weekly Poll on Socialism vs. Capitalism!Also:Visit Kyle Blomquist's Campaign: www.blomquistforcongress.com/Visit Kyle Blomquist Instagram: www.instagram.com/blomquistforcongress/Visit Kyle Blomquist Facebook: www.facebook.com/BlomquistForCongressVisit Kyle Blomquist Twitter: https://x.com/BlomquistForMI Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join#podcast #progressives #Democrats #DemocraticSocialism #Socialism #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #Michigan #Election #WorkingClass #Economy #Israel #GovernmentCorruption #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #GovernmentSpending #EpsteinClass #WealthInequality #Centrism #Moderates #Fascism #Authoritarianism #datacenters #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    6 min
  6. Kyle Blomquist-Michigan Progressive For Congress & Reviving Northern Michigan's Working Class

    Jun 25

    Kyle Blomquist-Michigan Progressive For Congress & Reviving Northern Michigan's Working Class

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's Episode #184 of Michigan's Progressive Podcast! 00-00-8:44: Mike Rogers & Big Pharma LOL's Pat Johnston begins the show talking about how Michigan MAGA Republican Senate candidate, "Florida" Mike Rogers, is threatening progressive Democratic candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed with a Cease & Desist suit for saying Rogers is a Big Pharma lobbyist. Records show that while in Congress, "Florida Mike was a stooge for Big Pharma as he also played a role in leading to this country's opioid crisis. And, Rogers also worked as a Defense Lobbyist after retiring from Congress! 8:45-16:37: DSA Victories in NYC! Democratic Socialist mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, claimed victory as all three of his endorsements for Congress won this week in NYC. Two incumbent establishment Democrats lost their seats as the Democratic Socialist movement continues to gain steam. 16:38-44:05: Kyle Blomquist Interview Kyle Blomquist, Democratic Socialist candidate for Michigan's First Congressional District, talks about his working class campaign and why he's the best choice to face-off against MAGA Republican incumbent Congressman Jack Bergman. Kyle and Pat talk about Democratic Socialism, how centrism has hurt both Democrats AND the working class, Line 5, a data center moratorium, and more. Visit Kyle Blomquist's Campaign: www.blomquistforcongress.com/Visit Kyle Blomquist Instagram: www.instagram.com/blomquistforcongress/Visit Kyle Blomquist Facebook: www.facebook.com/BlomquistForCongressVisit Kyle Blomquist Twitter: https://x.com/BlomquistForMI 44:06-49:15: MAGA Voters Dying Faster In this week's "Last Call," Pat covers a new study showing how MAGA Republicans are dying at a faster rate than those on the left side of the political spectrum. 49:16-52:20: Ending Click here to vote on Weekly Poll on Socialism vs. Capitalism! Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join#podcast #progressives #Democrats #DemocraticSocialism #Socialism #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #Michigan #Election #AbdulElSayed #MikeRogers #Senate #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Israel #Gaza #AIPAC #BigPharma #OpioidCrisis #Lobbying #EpsteinClass #WorkingClass #Economy #UpperPeninsula #KyleBlomquis #JackBergman #Unions #DataCenters #BigTech #GretchenWhitmer #Health #Mamdani #Congress #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    52 min
  7. Monday Musing: Freedom To Disconnect From Work

    Jun 22

    Monday Musing: Freedom To Disconnect From Work

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Monday Musing" for June 22, 2026. Michigan Democratic State Senator Erica Geiss of Taylor introduced the "Workplace Employee Boundaries Act," which would block any employer from forcing workers to check work emails, phone calls, or text messages outside of their normal work hours.  Pat Johnston explains how this one bill in Michigan could provide an extra step in putting power back into the hands of the working class, and out of the hands of the corporate authoritarian class.  Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardNOTES: "Lawmakers weigh ban on making workers check Slack, Teams after hours." By Craig Mauger of The Detroit News #podcast #progressive #Politics #Michigan #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #WorkingClass #Jobs #WorkersRights #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #EricaGeiss #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    5 min
  8. Friday Short: Progressivism Is Essential For Michigan & Country

    Jun 19

    Friday Short: Progressivism Is Essential For Michigan & Country

    Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/join Here's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for June 19, 2026! This week, Michigan Democratic State Senate candidate for most of the Upper Peninsula, Kelli Van Ginhoven, talked with me about her her campaign on Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast. I asked KVG if she thought of herself as a progressive Democrat, and KVG said in today's time, being progressive is "essential." In this week's "Friday Short," I piggyback off of KVG's statement, and explain why progressivism is essential in Michigan and around the country as the working class gets further behind the untouchable Epstein Class. There's a reason why many progressive candidates, and progressive-populist messages, are winning. Because, progressivism is essential to saving the working class. To hear the entire interview with Kell Van Ginhoven, and the entire episode: https://audioboom.com/posts/8918186-kelli-van-ginhoven-s-people-powered-campaign-for-the-upper-peninsula Click here to vote on this week's Web Poll on "Data" pronunciation. Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardNOTES:Kelli Van Ginhoven State Senate District 38 campaign sitehttps://www.kvgforsenate2026.com/KVG's Facebook Campaign Page: https://www.instagram.com/kellifordistrict38/KVG's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellifordistrict38/#podcast #politics #progressive #Democrats #Michigan #MAGA #Republicans #Trump #WorkingClass #Economy #Immigrants #ICE #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #DataCenters #EpsteinClass #Affordability #MedicareForAll #HealthCare #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

    5 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

An insight into Michigan's progressive political and pop cultural scene. Pat Johnston highlights how the progressive movement is helping shape Michigan's political landscape with opinion and interviews. It's time to make Michigan's political machine work for the people!

Information

  • Creator
    Left of Lansing
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    419
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Left of Lansing

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