Jesse Ventura: podcast appearances and interviews

Jesse Ventura, born James George Janos on July 15, 1951, in Minneapolis, is an American politician, Vietnam War veteran, actor, and retired professional wrestler. He served in the Navy Special Operations Underwater Demolition/SEAL Teams during the Vietnam War and later pursued a career in professional wrestling, adopting the ring name Jesse 'the Body' Ventura. He gained fame in the World Wrestling Federation as a performer and color commentator and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004. Ventura also appeared in films such as Predator and The Running Man. Transitioning into politics, Ventura was elected mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, serving from 1991 to 1995. He was elected the 38th governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003, representing the Reform Party, becoming its only candidate to win a major government office. During his tenure as governor, he implemented reforms of the state's property tax, initiated the state's first sales tax rebate, and oversaw projects like the construction of the METRO Blue Line light rail and income tax cuts. After leaving office, Ventura became a visiting fellow at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and hosted political television shows on RT America and Ora TV. He has authored several books and has been active in third-party politics, occasionally exploring presidential runs. Ventura endorsed the Green Party in 2020 and later expressed support for Democratic candidates in the 2024 election.