Bob Gatty from Lean To The Left discusses the true consequences of the Donald Trump government shutdown that derails the fight against cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

Despite Trump's claims about preventing undocumented immigrants from receiving taxpayer-funded healthcare, federal law already prohibits their eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid, or Affordable Care Act coverage.

Gatty reveals the actual human repercussions of the shutdown, including halted Alzheimer's and cancer research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The shutdown jeopardizes clinical trials, lab funding, and young scientists' careers. Gatty urges viewers to stand against the shutdown and highlights its detrimental effects on essential medical research. For more details, visit his article at LeanToTheLeft.net.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Trump's Shutdown Claim

00:12 The Reality of Immigrant Healthcare

00:24 Impact on Alzheimer's and Cancer Research

01:10 The Human Cost of the Shutdown

01:34 Call to Action and Conclusion

What happens when inanimate objects, like the Resolute Desk, and mythological monsters tell the story of Trump’s America? 🤯

In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty interviews author Barry Robbins, whose satirical books NO!, HELL NO!, and American Monsters offer a creative, humorous, yet deeply critical take on Donald Trump and the state of American politics.

📚 Robbins shares how his inspiration came from wanting to spark emotional reactions rather than intellectual debates—using satire to highlight the outrages of the Trump administration. From lamps and chairs to mythological beasts, his storytelling offers a unique lens on the chaos of recent years.

🌍 Having lived in Finland, Robbins also explains how experiencing social democracy firsthand shifted his perspective from corporate Republican to progressive, shaping his critique of America’s political divisions and the growing threat of authoritarianism.

🎙️ In this conversation, we explore:

• The origins of Robbins’ satirical books NO! and HELL NO!

• His mythological take in American Monsters

• How fear and manipulation drive politics in Trump’s America

• The impact of living abroad on his view of U.S. democracy

• Why America’s deepening divisions pose a dangerous future

If you’re interested in political satire, progressive perspectives, or simply want to understand today’s turbulent political climate in a new way, this episode is for you.

👉 Listen to the full conversation now and explore Barry Robbins’ books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books. Direct Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4gNhHyL

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to Lean to the Left for more interviews, commentary, and progressive voices challenging today’s politics.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Lean to the Left Podcast

00:50 Introducing Barry Robbins and His Books

01:29 The Concept Behind Barry's Books

04:11 Political Violence and Barry's Perspective

04:35 Barry's Experience in Finland

05:38 The State of American Democracy

07:40 Trump's Influence and Responsibility

19:12 Barry's Latest Book: American Monsters

20:41 Where to Find Barry's Books

21:21 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Nearly 40% of Americans now identify as independents, reflecting deep frustration with partisan politics. In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, Bob Gatty speaks with Adam Brandon, senior advisor at the Independent Center and co-author of The Exhausted Majority.

Brandon shares his journey from leading FreedomWorks to shaping a new independent movement that seeks to disrupt the two-party duopoly. Topics include:

• Why independents are the “exhausted majority” of American politics

• The Independent Center’s strategy to influence Congress by 2026

• Opportunities for independents on state and national ballots

• The role of AI in transforming campaigns and civic engagement

• How millennials and Gen Z are driving a more policy-focused approach

👉 Don’t miss this conversation about independence, reform, and the future of American democracy.

🔗 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at LeanToTheLeft.net.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:01 Challenges and Strategies for Independent Voters

05:40 Gerrymandering and Independent Candidates

11:38 The Role of AI in Politics

13:24 Funding and Supporting Independent Candidates

17:30 Lessons from the Tea Party Movement

23:21 The Exhausted Majority: Upcoming Book

26:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What are the implications for our divided country when a bullying president shakes down the news media to get his way?

In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, John DeDakis, veteran journalist, former CNN editor, White House correspondent, novelist, and writing coach, explores the challenges of journalism in today’s fractured media landscape and the implications of Donald Trump's attempts to bully the media to his own ends.

👉 Topics include:

• The crisis of trust in mainstream media

• How Trump and bullying politicians have influenced journalism

• The rise of digital media and the internet’s double-edged sword

• Artificial Intelligence and its limits in creative storytelling

• DeDakis’ novel Enemies Domestic, inspired by today’s political climate

• Writing as a tool for healing grief and trauma

• Helping aspiring authors find their voice

DeDakis shares candid reflections on truth in reporting, holding power accountable, and why integrity and human touch still matter in an age of information overload.

📚 Learn more about John DeDakis and his books.

If you care about media integrity, politics, or the power of storytelling, this episode is a must-listen.

👍 Don’t forget to subscribe, hit the like button, and share your thoughts in the comments!

#Media #Politics #JohnDeDakis #LeanToTheLeft #Journalism #truthmatters

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to the Lean To The Left Podcast

00:31 Introducing John DeDakis: Journalist and Author 01:47 Trump's Impact on America

03:33 The Role of Journalism Today

04:26 Challenges in Modern Media

07:38 Personal Experiences in Journalism

10:37 The Evolution of Journalism

15:23 The Influence of Social Media

16:15 The Impact of AI on Writing

16:54 Experimenting with AI in Creative Writing

18:26 The Ethical and Environmental Concerns of AI

20:03 Discussing 'Enemies Domestic'

22:18 Writing About Personal Grief

25:50 Helping Authors as a Manuscript Editor and Writing Coach

27:02 Current and Future Writing Projects

28:24 Where to Find John's Books

30:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In Defending Transgender Identity on the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with Amethysta Herrick, PhD, a transgender woman, scientist, and advocate, to discuss the growing wave of discriminatory legislation targeting transgender individuals.

Ami shares her remarkable story—from childhood struggles and suicide attempts to building a successful career as a scientist and executive, and ultimately transitioning to live authentically. She dives deep into the importance of identity, resilience, and the human experience, and discusses how Trump-era policies devastated the transgender community.

Ami also shares her mission with Purple Paw Clan, an organization dedicated to defending transgender rights and supporting those on their journey toward self-discovery and acceptance.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation to explore:

The personal and societal challenges of gender identity

The impact of anti-transgender legislation

The importance of advocacy and education

The story behind Purple Paw Clan and Team Water

💜 Support the cause: https://purplepawclan.com

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to help amplify voices that need to be heard.

#TransRights #LeanToTheLeftPodcast #PurplePawClan

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:10 Discriminatory Legislation Against Transgender People

00:56 Introducing Amethysta Herrick, PhD

01:56 Amethysta's Early Life and Academic Journey

03:46 Transitioning and Professional Life

05:03 Family Life and Personal Struggles

05:54 Exploring Gender Identity and Transition

07:28 Writing and Advocacy

13:51 Impact of Trump's Policies on Transgender Community

18:22 Conservative Upbringing and Personal Struggles

19:06 Trump's Executive Orders and Gender Affirming Care

19:43 Corporate Responses to Anti-DEI Policies

20:07 First Amendment and Hate Speech

22:10 The Story Behind Purple Paw Clan

27:30 Team Water Initiative

28:47 Conclusion and Contact Information

What was it like to serve as a Black federal employee during the most divisive presidency in modern American history? In this powerful episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with Deric Gilliard, activist, author, and retired federal public affairs advisor, to discuss his experiences promoting Trump administration policies.

Gilliard—whose career spanned five administrations from Clinton to Biden—shares stories from his new book, The Longest Four Years of My Life: A View from the Field by a Black Fed. He provides a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the dismantling of programs that supported Black communities, attacks on the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, and efforts to erase history at the Smithsonian.

📌 Key Topics Covered:

• The Trump administration’s elimination of thousands of federal jobs.

• Canceling Department of Education support programs.

• Weakening of Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.

• Stripping diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

• Attempts to rewrite history around slavery.

• Stark contrasts between Trump’s policies and Biden’s efforts to restore equity.

Deric also reflects on his earlier career, particularly during the Obama years, and shares how his work connected to Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of equality. His story is both a warning and a call to action for all Americans who care about democracy, justice, and truth.

👉 Don’t miss this insider perspective on the Trump years, race, and policy.

📖 Order The Longest Four Years of My Life on Amazon at https://amzn.to/4nfa7yP.

🎧 Subscribe to the Lean to the Left podcast for more conversations on politics, justice, and social change.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Trump's Promises to Black Americans

01:39 Deric Gillard's Background and Career

04:07 Experiences Under Different Administrations

06:06 Impact of Trump's Policies

11:25 COVID-19 and Trump's Leadership

15:10 Federal Workforce and Safety Nets

19:47 Trolling Trump on Social Media

20:10 Impact of Cutting Education Programs

21:11 Trump's Obsession with the Affordable Care Act

22:14 Obama's Legacy and Racial Backlash

25:15 Reflections on Working for Different Presidents

33:27 The Importance of Telehealth During COVID

34:24 Promoting Justice and Equality

35:31 Discussing the New Book

36:44 Upcoming Book Club Announcement

In this powerful episode of the Dixie Dems Podcast, part of the Lean to the Left network, Carole Bellacera — Air Force veteran, author, and unapologetic Southern Democrat — shares her story of resilience, activism, and the fight for fair representation in a deep-red state.

Carole recounts the shocking moment she was escorted out of a Nancy Mace town hall, simply for being a Democrat, and the broader challenges progressives face in conservative regions. From her service during the Vietnam era to her lifelong dedication to social justice and writing, Carole embodies the indomitable spirit of grassroots activism.

🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode:

The reality of being a Democrat in a Republican stronghold

How Carole turned political exclusion into fuel for activism

The ongoing battle for democracy and representation in the South

Her insights as an Air Force veteran and author of Incense and Peppermints

If you believe in democracy, equal representation, and the power of one voice to make a difference, this episode is for you.

#DixieDems #LeanToTheLeft #SouthernDemocrat #MAGA #GrassrootsActivism #CaroleBellacera

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:14 Meet the Hosts and Guest Introduction

01:26 Carole's Background and Achievements

01:54 Carole's Music Endeavors

03:11 Discussion on Nancy Mace

05:15 Trump and Epstein Controversy

06:20 Impact of Trump on Personal Relationships

08:35 Nancy Mace Town Hall Incident

14:53 Carolel's Activism and Political Views

21:13 Confrontation with a Doctor

21:50 Trump's COVID Treatment and Inequities

22:52 Veterans and Trump's Policies

24:14 Military and Public Opinion

26:41 Corporate America's Response to DEI

28:22 Desserts and Small Talk

32:40 Trump's Health Speculations

35:59 Vietnam War and Combat Nurses

38:04 Conclusion and Farewell

In a shocking move, Trump’s Health Secretary RFK Jr. has restricted COVID vaccine access for kids, seniors, and the vulnerable — ignoring scientific evidence and risking countless lives.

Hear Lean to the Left's Bob Gatty explain why this dangerous politics over science agenda could cost more lives than the pandemic’s first wave. It's the deadly cost of vaccine denial.