Jess & John Pod – Details, episodes & analysis

Hey ya’ll!

We hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks for all the love and support so far! Here’s episode 2.

Description: Jessica Burbank and John Russell react to a recent Pod Save America episode where top campaign aides for Kamala Harris reflect on what went wrong during the 2024 election cycle after losing to Donald Trump. Also, is Bernie Sanders hinting at starting a 3rd party?

Hosts: Ka (Jessica) Burbank and John Russell

Producer: Gabi Schulte | The Daily Scroll

Happy Thanksgiving! Team Jess and John pod are releasing this teaser of episode 2, full episode will release this Friday.

Description: Jessica Burbank and John Russell react to a recent Pod Save America episode where top campaign aides for Kamala Harris reflect on what went wrong during the 2024 election cycle after losing to Donald Trump.

Hosts: Ka (Jessica) Burbank and John Russell

Producer: Gabi Schulte The Daily Scroll

On today’s episode of Jess & John Pod, Jessica Burbank and John Russell process Donald Trump’s win and discuss how to build a non ruling class coalition moving forward.

Hosted by: Jessica Burbank and John Russell

Produced by: Gabi Schulte

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In this episode, Jess and John dive into the explosive fallout from the alleged murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson by Luigi Mangione. They dissect the failures of a profit-driven healthcare system—rising care denial rates, corporate greed, and the crushing toll on working-class lives—while making the case for Medicare for All as the only viable path forward.

The duo doesn’t shy away from the cultural rot underpinning it all, from the soulless conformity of 'beige society' to media narratives that protect the ruling class. They tackle how the press spins violence against CEOs while ignoring the systemic violence inflicted on everyday people. This conversation challenges listeners to reject sensationalist distractions and confront the bigger picture of exploitation, inequality, and the urgent need for systemic change.

Hosts: Jessica Burbank and John Russell

Producer: Gabi Schulte

Follow us at: @jessandjohnpod

In this episode, independent journalist Ken Klippenstein discusses the release of a controversial manifesto and the media's response to it.

He critiques the mainstream media's gatekeeping and their relationship with law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of transparency and public interest. The conversation also delves into the legal dynamics surrounding the case, public sentiment towards the shooter, and the internal communications of United Healthcare.

Klippenstein highlights the role of independent journalism in providing a voice for ordinary people and critiques the concept of sanctioned news, advocating for a more open and honest media landscape.

Follow his work at Ken Klippenstein

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In this episode, Jessica Burbank and John Russell explore the historical context of fascism in America, drawing parallels to modern political movements as well as react to Elon Musk’s “Nazi” salute during Trump’s inauguration.

They also discuss the rise of fear and insecurity as tools for authoritarianism, the implications of the two-party system, and the importance of grassroots organizing and community engagement in combating these trends.

Thanks for reading Jess & John Pod! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Hosts: Jessica Burbank and John Russell

Producer: Gabi Schulte

Follow us at @jessandjohnpod

Insta | TikTok | YouTube: @jessandjohnpod

NOTE: OK, so that was the shortest ban ever? We recorded this pod where Jessica Burbank and John Russell discuss their thoughts on the Tik Tok ban leading up to the fateful day, but then…it came back online!

We have an updated episode on that coming up but wanted to share this conversation with you anyways!

Hosts: Jessica Burbank and John Russell

Producer: Gabi Schulte

Follow us at Jess & John Pod

Insta | TikTok | YouTube: Jess & John Pod

Jessica Burbank interviews lawyer Rachael Cohen after she quit over Donald Trump’s growing influence over U.S. law.

Watch on YouTube:

A bombshell report in the Atlantic reveals how White House security officials accidentally included the outlet’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, in a group chat where they discussed war plans. The chat included National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz, Vice President Vance, Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, DNI Tulsi Gabbard, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe—joined by top Trump insiders, including Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and hardline strategist Stephen Miller, signaling the inner circle's deep involvement.

Read the full story here.

Also, John details how he stopped by Colorado to attend one of Bernie Sanders and AOC’s “Fight the Oligarchy” tour rallies and the new change in the Overton window regarding the populist momentum the country is feeling amid Trump’s second term in office.

Production note: A big thanks to Biso Sarraf for our sick new open!

Hosts: Ka (Jessica) Burbank and John Russell

Producer: Gabi Schulte

Follow us @jessandjohnpod