Start Me Up with Kimberley A. Johnson

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 events and controversial topics.

News
201
Start Me Up: Anti-Racism Educator Tim Wise
Antiracism educator and author Tim Wise returns! Topics: systematic racism; white supremacy and our current government; the influence our (diverse) pop culture has on the issue of racism and we finished with Tim talking about (white) guilt v. taking responsibility. Such a good chat! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
71 min
202
Start Me Up: Tara Dublin
Tara Dublin is a writer, a former DJ, a voiceover actress and known on Twitter for being an in-your-face badass activist. She's also a contributor to the political blog HillReporter. We had a fantastic conversation about her years in radio and her experience of speaking the truth online and slaying Twitter trolls, We talked about her many, many encounters with Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), feminism, and all kinds of other fun stuff. We did get in some political talk, too. Take a listen. We had a lot of fun. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
105 min
203
Start Me Up: Sarah Wood
Writer Sarah Wood returns! Show Topics: Trump and COVID19 changed America forever; Republicans want to kill democracy and Democratic leaders need a more effective strategy; Manhattan DA has convened a Grand Jury that is expected to decide whether to indict Donald Trump; GOP is killing reproductive freedom and so much more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
66 min
204
Start Me Up: Jody Hamilton
Jody Hamilton, the host of the From The Bunker podcast is back! We had some fun chatting it up but we did fit in some political conversation about COVID and statutory rape! Lots of stuff packed into this entertaining show! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
117 min
205
Start Me Up: Amanda Sowards
Writer and friend Amanda Sowards is back and today we talk about COVID, single-payer healthcare, abortion, gay/slut-shaming and some fun stuff, too. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
99 min
206
Start Me Up: Greg Olear
Greg Olear is back! His must-read article Tinker, Tailor Mobster, Trump talks about Donald Trump being a confidential informant! What a read! We discussed that as well as Liz Cheney possibly running in 2024, the current state and fate of the GOP, and much more! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
54 min
207
Start Me Up: Artist Adam Stone
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
68 min
208
Start Me Up: Ben Cohen - Editor of 'The Banter'...
Ben Cohen, the editor of The Banter, joins me to talk about politics and what it was like to have a toddler during COVID. (In case: this show was recorded in advance and I may have said on the podcast that it would be released on a different date. If so, please ignore.) Ben is an awesome guest and we had a great time. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
61 min
209
Start Me Up: Election Analyst Rachel Bitecofer
Rachel Bitecofer is a political scientist and an elections analyst. She's also a badass.  Topics: The discouraging Census news; what Democrats have to do to win this "war" with Republicans. Rachel talks about her project StrikePac.com and how voters can help her fight that war. Really good stuff in this interview. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
60 min
210
Start Me Up: Greg Olear
Greg Olear is back! YAY! Topics: Some people who are afraid of side effects are skipping the second dose of the vaccine; Biden's first 100 days (he's kicking ass); Greg has an interesting take on who the 2024 GOP nominee might be and it's not Trump; there is reason to hope and Merrick Garland will likely be a very effective AG. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
47 min
211
Start Me Up: Author/Lawyer Teri Kanefield
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
79 min
212
Start Me Up: Sarah Wood
Show Topics: The trial of Derek Chauvin came to a close; cops are still murdering unarmed black Americans; the debate over "Defund" the police slogan, and how electing Democrats is the only way we will see progress. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
89 min
213
Start Me Up: Eric Garland
Eric Garland is an Intelligence analyst and strategist. He's the host of the Game Theory Today Podcast and we had a lot of fun! Topics: Traitors are going to prison; why Democrats have reason to hope.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
94 min
214
Start Me Up: Sex Positive OB/GYN Dr. Leah Torres
Dr. Leah Torres is a sex-positive OB/Gyn promoting high-quality care and evidence-based medicine. Topics: Sex positivity; the best approach when talking to children about sex; what it's like being a doctor who performs abortions (in red states) and so much more!  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
79 min
215
Start Me Up: Jody Hamilton
Jody Hamilton, the host of the From The Bunker podcast is back! Topics: Covid vaccines, Los Angeles, earthquakes, kittens, Matt Gaetz and the future of the GOP. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
98 min
216
Start Me Up: Chris Hahn
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: Matt Gaetz (is toast); GOP is dying; the future of Roe v. Wade, expanding the courts, Trump/prison; vaccines and dads talking to their daughters about sex. So much fun today! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
69 min
217
Start Me Up: Democratic Candidate & Actor Bruno...
Bruno Amato has been a working actor for the past 20 years and is a proud member of the SAG/AFTRA union. He's a Democrat running against Kevin McCarthy in California’s 23rd District. We talked about his military service, his time as an ironworker, his acting career and why he decided to challenge Kevin McCarthy. We both had a really good time and you will, too if you listen! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
73 min
218
Start Me Up: Melissa Walker
Melissa Walker is an author of 10 novels for young adults and children. A former magazine editor, she now enjoys gathering people together to share stories about how they can pool their resources and change the balance of power in state legislatures.  Her work has appeared in publications including The New York Times and Teen Vogue. We talked about how voters can make a massive impact by joining forces with friends and family and focusing on state reps. Local politics has an enormous effect on laws that affect our lives and it's easier than you may think to make a real, positive difference. No matter how politically informed you may be, there's probably something in this show you may not be aware of. Information is power!  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
57 min
219
Start Me Up: Jared Yates Sexton
Jared is a political analyst and author. We had a productive conversation about white supremacy and how it's taken over the Republican Party--and how abortion plays a role. Jared offers important insights as well as ways to combat it -- good news!  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
59 min
220
Start Me Up: Andrew Laufer, Esq
Andrew Laufer is a Civil Rights attorney and he specializes in Police Brutality, False Arrest, Malicious Prosecution. Topics: There's a decent chance Trump lands in prison.  Junior is likely in trouble, too. Tucker Carlson is a white supremacist; Candace Owens is a grifter and Andrew weighs in on what will happen with our beloved democracy. Such a great conversation!  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
61 min
221
Start Me Up: Amanda Sowards
Writer Amanda Sowards returns for more lively discussion on the world's most pressing issues. (yes, I'm sarcastic.) Topics: Things are opening up, there's light at the end of the COVID tunnel but getting back to a new version of normal is kinda weird. Patriarchy palooza: Andrew Cuomo and the debate about whether he should step down, Woody Allen is a repugnant child rapist and American culture still allows pedophiles, rapists and predators to get away with all of it--and get standing ovations. Amanda and I like to talk and we sure had a lot to talk about today! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
116 min
222
Start Me Up: John Pavlovitz
John Pavlovitz is a writer, pastor, and activist from Wake Forest, North Carolina. In the past four years, his blog Stuff That Needs To Be Said has reached a diverse worldwide audience. Topics: the overall political climate...how people are feeling and what needs to be done; political fatigue; combating white supremacy, how to handle MeToo when politicians are accused of sexual misconduct, and more! I love comments. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
47 min
223
Start Me Up: Brooklyn Dad Defiant
Majid M. Padelan A.K.A. Brooklyn Dad Defiant is back!. He's the author of The Liddle'est President and he's funny, authentic, and a great conversationalist. Topics: Racist Royals; white supremacy is rising all over the globe; $15min wage; the Democrats passed a massive relief bill and much, much more!  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
61 min
224
Start Me Up: Sarah Wood
Sarah Wood is back and we had fun! Topics: Is it cancel culture or consequence culture? Either way, it is capitalism at work. What will happen to the Republican Party--will they split or unify? There was a failed coup...could a successful coup be next? Democrats need to work on selling the party values and so much more! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
76 min
225
Start Me Up: Cheri Jacobus
Cheri Jacobus is a nationally recognized political strategist who used to be a moderate Republican but switched to Independent when Trump got the Republican nomination. She's a pundit, a writer, a podcaster, and the executive producer of "America Reads The Mueller Report." Topics: Finding an appointment for the COVID vaccine is like the Hunger Games; the future of the GOP, CPAC's stage in the shape of a Nazi symbol; how the media is failing us, the fall of The Lincoln Project (Cheri was right about them) and Trump might go to prison.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
54 min