Episodios

  • Gnarly Girls Attack (G)rape Culture in America
    Jul 13 2025


    Join us on the Lean to the Left Podcast as we engage in a compelling conversation with two dynamic guests, Tony Nagy and Sarah Buckner, also known as Sarafina Supernova, known as the Gnarly Girls.


    These talented stand-up comedians, podcasters, dancers, and artists discuss their extensive creative endeavors, including their Gnarly Girls Podcast and touring show, Grape Culture.


    In this episode, Tony and Sarah explore themes like intergenerational conversations, the importance of cross-cultural references, and the current state of American politics, which they believe is abysmal.


    They also discuss controversial topics like (g)rape culture, systemic issues in the U.S., and conspiracy theories surrounding child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.


    The conversation takes a turn towards the intersection of comedy and tragic realities, where the duo sheds light on how their personal experiences inform their work. Both describe the extent to which they have been sexually assaulted.


    If you're interested in feminism, political satire, and the power dynamics that shape our societies, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear these remarkable women share their viewpoints, stories, and humor, all while challenging the status quo. Don't forget to check out their upcoming shows and follow them on their respective platforms for more thought-provoking content.


    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 Introduction to the Lean to the Left Podcast

    00:14 Meet the Gnarly Girls: Tony Nagy and Sarah Buckner

    00:51 Tony Nagy's Unique Approach to Comedy and Dance

    01:34 Sarah Buckner's Artistic Journey and Feminist Themes

    02:56 Intergenerational Conversations and Political Views

    05:25 Critique of the Democratic Party and Current Politics

    11:55 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education

    18:54 Jeffrey Epstein Case and Conspiracy Theories

    28:23 Fighting for Peace and the Concept of Grape Culture

    30:55 Upcoming Shows and Final Thoughts

    About Bob Gatty

    Bob Gatty is a former journalist and communications consultant, the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast.


    He's co-author of "Hijacked Nation, Donald Trump's attack on America's greatness. Link: https://amzn.to/4ePrTF7.


    Lean to the Left pulls no punches in calling out Trump, Musk & Co., who are turning our country into their own personal piggybank.


    If you enjoy this commentary, please visit, subscribe and share the Lean to the Left podcast. Meanwhile, please share your stories and experiences by commenting on this video and offering your thoughts. Your voice matters!

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    38 m
  • Behind trump's Immigration Policy 2025: A Personal Story
    Jul 12 2025

    A new Gallup poll shows that the wave of anti-immigration sentiment in the U.S. is cooling, even among Republicans, as Donald Trump's 2025 immigration policy continues his hateful purge of migrants in America. Behind deportation, there are personal stories to be shared.


    According to the poll, 79% of Americans say immigration is "a good thing" for the country, up from 64% a year ago, while only about 20% of adults say immigration is a bad thing, down from 32% last year.


    In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, we explore the heart-wrenching consequences of Trump's harsh deportation policies with guest Robert Thompson. Robert shares the personal story of Miss Doris, a long-term Honduran immigrant and household cleaning lady, who is being forced to leave the country after 26 years.


    They discuss the broader implications of these policies on hundreds of thousands of immigrants, the cruelty of the current administration, and the necessity for collective action to hold elected officials accountable.


    Tune in for a powerful conversation on immigration, justice, and human compassion.


    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

    00:21 Personal Impact of Deportation Policies

    00:38 Miss Doris' Story

    01:18 Historical Context and TPS

    02:16 Current Administration's Tactics

    04:10 Community Reactions and Broader Implications

    06:48 Critique of Trump's Policies

    10:26 Call to Action

    10:51 Conclusion


    About Bob Gatty

    Bob Gatty is a former journalist and communications consultant, the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast.


    He's co-author of "Hijacked Nation, Donald Trump's attack on America's greatness. Link: https://amzn.to/4ePrTF7.


    Lean to the Left pulls no punches in calling out Trump, Musk & Co., who are turning our country into their own personal piggybank.


    If you enjoy this commentary, please visit, subscribe and share the Lean to the Left podcast. Meanwhile, please share your stories and experiences by commenting on this video and offering your thoughts. Your voice matters!

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    12 m
  • Impact of AI on Jobs and Society with Phil Woodford-Lean to the Left Podcast
    Jul 7 2025

    Impact of AI on Jobs and Society

    Welcome to the Lean to the Left Podcast! In this episode, guest Phil Woodford talks about the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its profound impacts on various industries, jobs and society at large.


    Host Bob Gatty shares his personal experiences using AI to enhance his podcast, and discusses the broader ramifications for jobs in fields like writing, graphic design, and social media.


    His guest, Phil Woodford, is author of 'AI and the Redundant Human,' and tackles critical questions about the future of work in an AI-dominated world, including the impact of AI on jobs and society.


    They discuss viewpoints from tech giants like Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Bill Gates, and explore the potential for large-scale job redundancy, economic inequality, and the psychological impact on the workforce.


    The conversation extends into discussions on AI regulation, potential government reliance on AI, and the global political implications, including reflections on Trump's policies and their consequences and AI in politics and AI regulation.


    Tune in to explore the unsettling yet pressing issues around AI, job redundancy, and societal change with expert insights from Phil Woodford.


    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 Introduction to AI and Its Impact

    00:57 Guest Introduction: Phil Woodford

    01:39 AI's Threat to Employment

    04:15 Creative and Professional Industries at Risk

    07:02 AI's Broader Societal Implications

    15:22 Government and AI Regulation

    20:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    🎧 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for fearless commentary that cuts through the noise.

    🌐 Visit our blog → https://leantotheleft.net

    🎙️ Listen to more episodes → https://podcast.leantotheleft.net

    🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support independent progressive media.


    About Bob Gatty

    Bob Gatty is a former journalist and communications consultant, the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast.


    He's co-author of "Hijacked Nation, Donald Trump's attack on America's greatness. Link: https://amzn.to/4ePrTF7.


    Lean to the Left pulls no punches in calling out Trump, Musk & Co., who are turning our country into their own personal piggybank.


    If you enjoy this commentary, please visit, subscribe and share the Lean to the Left podcast. Meanwhile, please share your stories and experiences by commenting on this video and offering your thoughts. Your voice matters!

    Más Menos
    24 m
  • Understanding the Climate Crisis: Global Warming is Real
    Jul 3 2025

    Understanding the Climate Crisis: Global Warming Is Real

    Welcome to the Lean to the Left Podcast, where we discuss pressing social issues. In this episode, we tackle the critical issue of Donald Trump's environmental policies that threaten our planet's future.


    Our guest is Tom Schumann, founder of Global Warming is Real and the Planet Watch Group, who shares his deep insights on the environmental rollbacks under Trump's administration.


    Discover how Trump's 'drill, baby, drill' agenda is impacting clean energy initiatives and how public lands are being jeopardized. Tom also speaks about his passion project, the Global Warming is Real website, and his podcast aimed at raising awareness on climate change.


    We also delve into the challenges and opportunities of electric vehicles (EVs) and discuss personal actions to combat climate change. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on the importance of safeguarding our environment.


    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

    00:05 Trump's Environmental Policies

    01:04 Introducing Tom Schumann

    01:29 Tom's Journey and Projects

    03:08 Trump's Impact on Climate Change

    06:32 Challenges with Electric Vehicles

    16:58 The Triple Bottom Line

    18:05 Public Lands and Fossil Fuels

    22:03 Supporting Environmental Efforts

    22:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    🎧 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for fearless commentary that cuts through the noise.

    🌐 Visit our blog → https://leantotheleft.net

    🎙️ Listen to more episodes → https://podcast.leantotheleft.net

    🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support independent progressive media.


    About Bob Gatty

    Bob Gatty is a former journalist and communications consultant, the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast.


    He's co-author of "Hijacked Nation, Donald Trump's attack on America's greatness. Link: https://amzn.to/4ePrTF7.


    Lean to the Left pulls no punches in calling out Trump, Musk & Co., who are turning our country into their own personal piggybank.


    If you enjoy this commentary, please visit, subscribe and share the Lean to the Left podcast. Meanwhile, please share your stories and experiences by commenting on this video and offering your thoughts. Your voice matters!

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    23 m
  • Veterans vs Trump: How Vote Vets is Fighting Back
    Jun 29 2025

    Veterans vs. Trump: How Vote Vets is Fighting Back


    In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, special guest Janessa Goldbeck, CEO of the Vet Voice Foundation discusses howTrump administration policies are harming veterans and how her organization, Vote Vets, is fighting back.


    Joined by Arthur Hill of North Carolina and Robert Thompson of Georgia, the conversation explores recent harmful decisions affecting the Department of Veterans Affairs, such as canceling vital contracts and the ability of VA doctors to discriminate based on political and marital status.


    They also touch on the broader societal impacts these issues have and the influential power of veteran voices in driving change.


    Janessa shares insights into her organization’s mission, advocacy efforts, and the importance of elevating veterans' voices in democracy.


    The episode also offers a glimpse into the Vote Vet’s role in recent elections and its support for candidates who will fight for veterans rights and benefits, including the ongoing fight against policies that harm veterans and their families.


    CHAPTERS:


    00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

    00:35 Veterans Under the Trump Administration

    02:41 Meet Vanessa Goldbeck: Advocate for Veterans

    03:24 Vote Vets and Vet Voice Foundation

    04:25 Success Stories and Election Impact

    07:23 Challenges and Advocacy Efforts

    09:31 Veterans' Voting Rights and Legal Battles

    17:51 Diversity and Inclusion in the Military

    34:12 Public Lands and Environmental Advocacy

    39:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    🎧 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for fearless commentary that cuts through the noise.

    🌐 Visit our blog → https://leantotheleft.net

    🎙️ Listen to more episodes → https://podcast.leantotheleft.net

    🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support independent progressive media.


    About Bob Gatty

    Bob Gatty is a former journalist and communications consultant, the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast.


    He's co-author of "Hijacked Nation, Donald Trump's attack on America's greatness. Link: https://amzn.to/4ePrTF7.


    Lean to the Left pulls no punches in calling out Trump, Musk & Co., who are turning our country into their own personal piggybank.


    If you enjoy this commentary, please visit, subscribe and share the Lean to the Left podcast. Meanwhile, please share your stories and experiences by commenting on this video and offering your thoughts. Your voice matters!

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    42 m
  • How For-Profit Hospitals Harm Patients | Lean to the Left Podcast
    Jun 27 2025

    How For-Profit Hospitals Harm Patients


    In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast,we address the crucial challenges nurses face in today's for-profit healthcare environment, including staffing shortages, burnout, and the impact of private equity in the healthcare sector -- including how for-profit hospitals harm patients.


    Special guest Kathy Allen, founder of GutsyNurses.com and author of the upcoming book, 'Gutsy Nurses Save Lives,' shares her insights on the current state of nursing, the exploitation of nurses and patients for profit, and innovative holistic approaches to maintaining health.


    Kathy also discusses her work in traumatic stress, her program Gutsy Nurses, and her experiences in stand-up comedy.


    Tune in to hear a profound discussion on the state of nursing and healthcare today and the importance of creating a supportive environment for healthcare workers. After all, patients' lives are at stake.


    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 Introduction to Lean to the Left Podcast

    00:15 Challenges Facing Nurses Today

    00:45 Interview with Kathy Allen: Gutsy Nurses

    01:17 Current State of Nursing and Healthcare

    04:42 Impact of For-Profit Healthcare

    09:29 Innovative Approaches in Nursing

    09:50 Kathy Allen's Background and Mission

    10:47 Gutsy Nurses Program and Classes

    15:59 Alternative Healing Methods

    23:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    🎧 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for fearless commentary that cuts through the noise.

    🌐 Visit our blog → https://leantotheleft.net

    🎙️ Listen to more episodes → https://podcast.leantotheleft.net

    🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support independent progressive media.


    About Bob Gatty

    Bob Gatty is a former journalist and communications consultant, the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast.


    He's co-author of "Hijacked Nation, Donald Trump's attack on America's greatness. Link: https://amzn.to/4ePrTF7.


    Lean to the Left pulls no punches in calling out Trump, Musk & Co., who are turning our country into their own personal piggybank.


    If you enjoy this commentary, please visit, subscribe and share the Lean to the Left podcast. Meanwhile, please share your stories and experiences by commenting on this video and offering your thoughts. Your voice matters!

    Más Menos
    25 m
  • No Kings Day: Challenging MAGA in the South
    Jun 19 2025

    No Kings Day: Challenging MAGA in the South

    Join us as the Lean to the Left Podcast explores the recent nationwide No Kings Day rallies opposing Donald Trump's actions, including significant protests in Myrtle Beach, SC.


    The discussion features John Vincent, a Democrat and retired US Navy Command Master Chief, who aims to unseat MAGA representative Russell Fry as he, in effect, is challenging MAGA in the South.


    Vincent shares his experiences at the rally, emphasizing the unified opposition to tyranny and Trump's radical agenda. He highlights the growing public awareness and urgency around these issues.


    The conversation shifts to Vincent's campaign platform, stressing support for veterans, reducing national debt, and genuinely representing the people of his district. Vincent confidently outlines his strategy to challenge and defeat Fry, calling for focused protests and strong voter turnout in the 2026 midterm elections.

    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 Introduction and Context

    00:54 Interview with John Vincent

    01:00 Rally Experience and Observations

    03:20 Core Message to the People

    07:27 Military Involvement Concerns

    12:00 Political Strategy and Messaging

    17:03 Campaign Against Russell Fry

    21:02 Analyzing Trump's Approval Ratings

    21:41 Understanding Voter Shifts

    22:37 Campaign Encouragement and District Analysis

    24:44 Campaign Strategy and Social Media

    27:49 Veterans' Issues and Political Stance

    34:23 Campaign Conclusion and Call to Action


    🎧 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for fearless commentary that cuts through the noise.

    🌐 Visit our blog → https://leantotheleft.net

    🎙️ Listen to more episodes → https://podcast.leantotheleft.net

    🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support independent progressive media.


    About Bob Gatty

    Bob Gatty is a former journalist and communications consultant, the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast.


    He's co-author of "Hijacked Nation, Donald Trump's attack on America's greatness. Link: https://amzn.to/4ePrTF7.


    Lean to the Left pulls no punches in calling out Trump, Musk & Co., who are turning our country into their own personal piggybank.


    If you enjoy this commentary, please visit, subscribe and share the Lean to the Left podcast. Meanwhile, please share your stories and experiences by commenting on this video and offering your thoughts. Your voice matters!

    Más Menos
    39 m
  • The Battle for Press Freedom: Trump's Media Attacks | Lean to the Left Podcast
    Jun 13 2025

    The Battle for Press Freedom

    Join us in this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast as we discuss President Trump's contentious relationship with the media and the battle for press freedom.


    From banning reporters and cutting funding for public broadcasters to restricting access and filing lawsuits, his actions against the press are unprecedented and have helped lead to an increased lack of media trust by many Americans.


    Our guest, Christine Rogers, a seasoned media professional, shares her insights on the impact of these moves on press freedom, media trust, and democracy with journalism under attack by the most powerful political figure in the world.


    We also delve into the decline of local journalism, the rise of podcasts, and the challenges journalists face in today's fragmented and economically-driven media landscape. It's sad to say, but threats to journalists are on the rise.


    Tune in to understand the critical role of the press and the ongoing threats it faces.


    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 Trump's Assault on Press Freedom

    00:54 Interview with Christine Rogers

    01:20 Impact of Trump's Media Attacks

    04:34 The Decline of Trust in Media

    06:14 Challenges in Local Journalism

    08:47 Economic Pressures on Media Outlets

    12:38 The Role of Podcasts and New Media

    14:32 Blurred Lines Between News and Editorial

    25:22 Solutions for Journalism's Future


    🎧 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for fearless commentary that cuts through the noise.

    🌐 Visit our blog → https://leantotheleft.net

    🎙️ Listen to more episodes → https://podcast.leantotheleft.net

    🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support independent progressive media.


    About Bob Gatty

    Bob Gatty is a former journalist and communications consultant, the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast.


    He's co-author of "Hijacked Nation, Donald Trump's attack on America's greatness. Link: https://amzn.to/4ePrTF7.


    Lean to the Left pulls no punches in calling out Trump, Musk & Co., who are turning our country into their own personal piggybank.


    If you enjoy this commentary, please visit, subscribe and share the Lean to the Left podcast. Meanwhile, please share your stories and experiences by commenting on this video and offering your thoughts. Your voice matters!

    Más Menos
    27 m