Episodios

  • Texas Senate Polls, New Jersey Voting Rights, and LGBTQ Hockey Rising

    Texas Senate Polls, New Jersey Voting Rights, and LGBTQ Hockey Rising
    Mar 2 2026
    In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rocklin shares a wealth of encouraging stories that uplift the spirit of progressives and advocates for change. We kick off with a promising poll showing Representative Jasmine Crockett leading in a hypothetical Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Texas, demonstrating her strong support among likely Democratic voters.

    Next, we spotlight New Jersey's assembly panel, which has approved a state-level Voting Rights Act aimed at reinstating crucial protections against voter suppression, ensuring fair access to the ballot for all citizens.

    We also dive into the world of literature as we highlight the new season of the podcast "Band Camp," where hosts Jen and Dan explore banned books, shedding light on censorship and the importance of free expression.

    In sports, we celebrate the surge in participation and interest in LGBTQ hockey leagues across the nation, fueled by a popular show that has inspired new players and teams to emerge.
    Additionally, we discuss how ten Democratic-leaning states are stepping up to assist residents in affording Obamacare health plans, filling the gap left by the expiration of federal tax credits and ensuring continued access to healthcare.

    A listener-suggested story reveals the resignation of celebrity doctor Peter Attia from CBS News amid controversy, reminding us of the importance of accountability in public life.
    Lastly, we report on Oregon lawmakers advancing a bill to increase the lodging tax to fund wildlife conservation programs, a bipartisan effort that reflects a commitment to preserving natural resources and protecting endangered species.

    For more about today's stories:

    https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5755382-jasmine-crockett-leads-texas-senate/

    https://newjerseymonitor.com/2026/02/20/nj-voting-rights-act/


    https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/watched-heated-rivalry-overcome-desire-hit-ice-rcna258438


    https://stateline.org/2026/02/18/some-states-are-helping-to-make-obamacare-plans-more-affordable/


    https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/23/business/peter-attia-resigns-from-cbs-news-following-epstein-backlash


    https://www.opb.org/article/2026/02/24/house-lawmakers-lodging-tax-hike-oregon-wildlife/

    https://www.mainepublic.org/climate/2026-02-16/maine-lawmakers-consider-moratorium-on-new-data-centers





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    13 m
  • Good News for Lefties- Progressive Voices Edition for March 1st

    Good News for Lefties- Progressive Voices Edition for March 1st
    Mar 1 2026
    Did you know that Good News For Lefties is featured on the Progressive Voices Network? That's right, every Saturday and Sunday from 12-1pm ET / 9-10am PT, you can hear the best good news of the week by going to ProgressiveVoices.com or to Progressive voices on the TuneIn app. Today we feature a recent episode - listen and check out the other fine shows at ProgressiveVoices.com.

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    45 m
  • Banned Camp: Defending Literature and Canadian Library Heroes

    Banned Camp: Defending Literature and Canadian Library Heroes
    Mar 1 2026
    In this special crossover edition of Good News for Lefties and the Banned Camp podcast, host Beowulf Rochlen joins Dan and Jen for a lively discussion on the pressing issue of book banning. The trio dives into the latest headlines, including a significant victory in Canada, where the Jake Epp Library board in Steinbach, Manitoba, has successfully blocked an attempt to remove the Christian gender-affirming book "Queerfully and Wonderfully Made" by Lee Fink. This inspiring decision highlights the ongoing fight against censorship and the importance of supporting LGBTQ youth in their quest for identity amidst rising challenges.

    The conversation also touches on the global rise of far-right ideologies and their impact on literature and free expression. Beowulf and the hosts explore cultural attitudes towards sex and violence in media, questioning the societal double standards that prioritize the latter over the former. Tune in for a thought-provoking episode filled with humor, insight, and a commitment to championing the freedom to read.

    Join the resistance at Banned Camp, the hilarious comedy podcast where the hosts read banned books chapter-by-chapter to figure out exactly what made everyone so afraid of them in the first place.

    bannedcamppodcast.com

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    6 m
  • Connecticut Bill Bans ICE Near Polling Places and Jeanine Pirro Gives Up Trying to Indict 6 Lawmakers

    Connecticut Bill Bans ICE Near Polling Places and Jeanine Pirro Gives Up Trying to Indict 6 Lawmakers
    Mar 1 2026
    In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Wendy King presents a series of inspiring stories that highlight the ongoing fight for democracy and progressive values.

    We kick off with an exciting development in Connecticut, where Democrats are pushing for a state law to ban ICE agents from operating near polling places, ensuring that voter access remains protected during the midterm elections. Congressman Matt Blumenthal and others emphasize the importance of safeguarding eligible voters from intimidation by federal authorities.

    Next, we turn to Kentucky, where a Republican lawmaker is proposing a bill that would allow internationally trained physicians to practice without repeating residency training, addressing the state's looming doctor shortage and improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas.

    In a noteworthy visit to the White House, New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani presented President Trump with a mock newspaper front page to advocate for significant federal housing investments, which could lead to the creation of thousands of affordable homes and jobs in the city.

    We also celebrate the successful unionization efforts of Springfield city workers in Ohio, who are seeking to secure job protections and a voice in shaping policies that affect them.

    Next, a federal grand jury in D.C. unanimously rejected the attempt to indict six lawmakers who told military and intelligence community members on social media not to obey unlawful orders. New reporting says Jeanine Pirro's office has chosen not to pursue the Democrats over their social media public service video.

    Finally, we share the poignant story of Karen Edwards, a domestic violence survivor advocating for sentencing reforms in Massachusetts that would allow survivors facing charges related to their abuse to receive fairer treatment under a new law.

    Today's Stories:

    Connecticut Democrats Propose Law to Ban ICE Near Polling Places | Connecticut Insider
    Kentucky Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Address Doctor Shortage | Kentucky Lantern
    Mayor Mamdani Advocates for Housing Investments in Meeting with Trump | Associated Press
    Springfield City Workers Unionize for Better Representation | Springfield News Sun
    Jeanine Pirro's Office Stops Pursuit of Lawmakers Over Social Media Video
    Domestic Violence Survivor Advocates for Sentencing Reform in Massachusetts | Bolts Magazine

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    27 m
  • Banned Camp: Syrian Literary Liberation and the Joy of Open Ideas

    Banned Camp: Syrian Literary Liberation and the Joy of Open Ideas
    Feb 28 2026
    In this special crossover episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen joins forces with Dan and Jen from the Banned Camp podcast for a lively discussion on the importance of free expression and the fight against book banning. This week, they dive into the iconic novel "Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger, while Beowulf shares a segment on the latest developments in book censorship and freedom of thought.

    The episode features a groundbreaking story from Syria, where the first post-Assad book fair took place, allowing a wealth of ideas and diverse literature to flourish in a country long oppressed by authoritarian rule. Beowulf reflects on the significance of this cultural shift and how it serves as a reminder of the power of knowledge and the human spirit's resilience against oppression.

    Join the trio as they explore the absurdities of censorship, the energy expended by authoritarian regimes to suppress ideas, and the collective yearning for freedom that transcends borders. This episode promises to be both enlightening and entertaining, so tune in and enjoy the conversation!

    Join the resistance at Banned Camp, the hilarious comedy podcast where the hosts read banned books chapter-by-chapter to figure out exactly what made everyone so afraid of them in the first place.

    bannedcamppodcast.com


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    8 m
  • Court Rulings Pave Way for Student Loan Forgiveness and U.S. Olympic Hockey Team Skips White House Visit

    Court Rulings Pave Way for Student Loan Forgiveness and U.S. Olympic Hockey Team Skips White House Visit
    Feb 28 2026
    In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Wendy King brings you an array of uplifting stories that celebrate recent victories for progressives and the fight for democracy.

    We start with a significant milestone in Virginia, where the Senate has passed a bill to enshrine the right to contraception in state law, sending it to Governor Abigail Spanberger's desk for approval.

    Next, we highlight Kentucky's House Bill 455, which aims to keep mental health therapy human-centered by prohibiting the use of artificial intelligence in direct therapeutic interactions, ensuring that clients receive care from qualified professionals.

    In an inspiring turn, we discuss the pushback from some of the men in the US Olympic hockey team who decided to skip a White House visit, showcasing their solidarity with the women's team amid political tensions surrounding their gold medal win.

    We also cover New York City's new transportation initiatives under Mayor Zoran Mamdani, who is committed to improving bus speeds and expanding bike lanes, reversing the previous administrations' neglect of public transit.

    Then, we celebrate a major legal victory for student loan borrowers, as recent court rulings pave the way for automatic discharges of federal student loans, providing much-needed relief to those affected by school misconduct.

    To wrap up, we spotlight a vibrant Winter Pride event in St. Petersburg, Florida, where rainbow lasers light up the sky in a powerful act of resistance against efforts to erase LGBTQ+ cultural expressions.

    Today's Stories:

    Virginia Senate Passes Bill to Enshrine Right to Contraception | WRIC
    Kentucky Bill Aims to Preserve Human Interaction in Mental Health Therapy | Kentucky Lantern
    U.S. Men's Hockey Team Skips White House Visit Amid Controversy | Newsweek
    New York City’s Mayor Announces New Transit Initiatives | The New York Times
    Court Rulings Pave Way for Student Loan Forgiveness | Forbes
    Winter Pride Lights Up St. Petersburg Sky in Vibrant Resistance | Good Good Good

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    26 m
  • Progressive Victories, Labor Triumphs, and Food Justice in Atlanta

    Progressive Victories, Labor Triumphs, and Food Justice in Atlanta
    Feb 27 2026
    In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a vibrant mix of uplifting stories that highlight victories for progressives and the community. We kick off with the celebration of three significant election wins for Democrats in crucial swing states, including the election of Anna Tuberchio and Jennifer Mazzocco in Pennsylvania, which solidifies a Democratic majority in the state legislature.
    Next, we discuss the successful return of Kaiser Permanente health workers to their jobs after a four-week strike, as they secured a counteroffer that addresses their demands for fair wages and staffing levels.
    We also report on Larry Summers' resignation from teaching at Harvard amidst ongoing investigations related to Jeffrey Epstein, shedding light on the university's complex history.
    Moving to community initiatives, Atlanta's Azalea Fresh Market is highlighted as a successful municipal grocery store aimed at combating food insecurity, a model that other cities are eager to replicate.
    Finally, we share an exciting poll showing progressive oyster farmer Graham Platner leading in the race for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Maine, reflecting a growing desire for new leadership.

    Today's Stories:

    Democrats Win Three Big Elections During Trump’s State of the Union | The New Republic
    Kaiser Permanente health workers return after 4-week strike | AP News
    Larry Summers to resign from Harvard after Epstein files revelations | Harvard University | The Guardian
    Zohran Mamdani Promised City-Owned Groceries. Atlanta Already Has One | Bon Appétit
    Platner holds double-digit lead on Mills, Collins in Maine Senate race: Poll
    People Can’t Believe What TCM Aired Instead of Donald Trump’s SOTU Speech - Newsweek

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    14 m
  • Polling Woes for Trump, Paid Time Off Reforms, and Oregon's National Guard Bill

    Polling Woes for Trump, Paid Time Off Reforms, and Oregon's National Guard Bill
    Feb 26 2026
    In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shares a collection of empowering stories that illuminate progress in the face of challenges. We start with a revealing CNN poll showing that Trump's approval rating among independents has plummeted, reflecting a growing public skepticism about his priorities and policies.
    Next, we highlight New York City's initiative to ensure compliance with paid time off laws, emphasizing workers' rights and the importance of fair treatment in the workplace.
    In Oregon, state representatives move to prohibit the deployment of National Guard troops for law enforcement without the governor's consent, showcasing a commitment to state rights and constitutional protections.
    Minnesota Democrats are taking a stand against federal overreach with proposed bills to hold federal agents accountable for constitutional abuses, demonstrating a proactive approach to protecting citizens' rights.
    We celebrate the Department of Veterans Affairs' decision to halt a controversial rule regarding disability payments after veterans expressed their outrage, showcasing the power of collective voices in advocating for change.
    Finally, California Governor Gavin Newsom signs a significant bill providing $90 million to Planned Parenthood, reinforcing the state's commitment to women's health amid federal funding cuts.

    Today's Stories:

    Trump’s approval rating with independents hits a new low ahead of the State of the Union | CNN Politics
    Under Mamdani, City to Probe Businesses Where Most Workers Take Zero Sick Days | THE CITY — NYC News
    Oregon Democrats approve measure they hope will make it harder for a president to deploy guard troops - OPB
    Minnesota Democrats propose bills cracking down on federal agents • Minnesota Reformer
    VA backs off rule that would have cut benefits amid outrage | CNN Politics
    Gov. Gavin Newsom approves $90 million for Planned Parenthood - Los Angeles Times

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    14 m