What makes a lifelong conservative rethink everything—and cross the political divide from Republican to Democrat? Why would a Marine switch from being a life-long Republican to join the Democrats and dump Trump's GOP?

In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with Carl Able, retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, founder of Crayon Box Politics, and co-host of the Crayon Box Weekly podcast, to explore his powerful journey from Republican to Democrat.

Carl explains how a deep review of party platforms—and a reckoning with human rights issues like healthcare, reproductive freedom, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights—led him to conclude that the modern Republican Party no longer reflected his values. What followed was not just a change in party registration, but a complete political realignment grounded in principle and clarity -- to the point where Able plans to run for Congress from North Carolina, as a Democrat.

Drawing on his Marine Corps experience, Carl discusses leadership, critical thinking, and the danger of political tribalism. He also explains the mission behind Crayon Box Politics, an initiative designed to cut through political noise and make government processes understandable for everyday Americans.

Commenting on the current controversy over Defense Secretary Hegseth reportedly ordering a second strike to kill two sailers clutching to their bombed out fishing boat, Abel says the order was illegal and that he would not have followed it.

Looking ahead, Carl shares his plans for an AI-powered civic education tool and his goal of running for Congress in North Carolina’s 3rd District in 2028, focused on veterans’ issues, coastal protection, and economic opportunity.

This conversation is a call to engagement, courage, and honest dialogue—proof that political growth is possible, and necessary, in a polarized America.

🎙️ Subscribe to Lean to the Left for more conversations that challenge assumptions and spark progress.

🌐 Podcast.LeanToTheLeft.net

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome to Lean to the Left Podcast

00:09 Meet Carl Able: From Marine to Political Advocate

00:46 Carl's Political Journey: From Republican to Democrat

01:52 Challenges and Realizations in Political Alignment

04:55 Reception in Democratic Circles

07:42 Key Issues: Human Rights and Healthcare

12:49 Military Service and Its Impact on Views

16:45 Controversial Orders and Military Ethics

20:35 Political Fractures and Future Aspirations

25:02 Crayon Box Politics: Mission and Vision

28:50 Carl's Political Ambitions and Future Plans

31:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this powerful episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with filmmakers Babette Hogan and Julie Eisenberg to discuss their searing documentary, Running for the Mountains.

Filmed over 15 years, Running for the Mountains exposes the deep entanglement between greed, politics, and environmental sacrifice in West Virginia, revealing how extractive industries have shaped public policy at the expense of human health and democratic accountability. Hogan and Eisenberg share firsthand stories of resistance, risk, and resilience—from arrests and threats to building trust within communities often ignored by the national media.

The conversation digs into:

• How corporate power influences environmental and energy policy

• The weaponization of patriotism to justify environmental harm

• The outsized political role of West Virginia figures like Joe Manchin

• The personal and political cost of documenting environmental injustice

This episode is a must-watch for anyone concerned about climate justice, political accountability, and the real human cost of deregulation. Running for the Mountains is currently available on Amazon Prime and Kanopy.

👉 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for in-depth conversations that challenge power, expose injustice, and inspire action.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to the Lean to the Left Podcast

00:18 Meet the Filmmakers: Babette Hogan and Julie Eisenberg

01:52 The Story Behind 'Running for the Mountains'

02:34 Challenges and Risks in Filmmaking

07:51 Political Landscape and Environmental Impact

09:43 The Role of Patriotism and National Politics

12:19 Joe Manchin's Influence and National Implications

16:23 Environmental Devastation in West Virginia

20:32 Film Distribution and Accessibility

21:45 Personal Reflections and Future Plans

25:26 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Artificial intelligence is transforming our world—but not always for the better. In this urgent episode of Lean To the Left, we explore how AI is fueling a disturbing rise in digital sexual exploitation, including the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse materials.

Our guest, Roger Canaff—former New York City special victims prosecutor, author, educator, and survivor—shares his unparalleled insight into how predators are weaponizing AI to manipulate innocent images, evade detection, and create explicit content without consent.

He also exposes the failures of tech companies, the challenges in our legal system, and the critical need for better enforcement and oversight.

We discuss:

✅ How AI-generated imagery is changing the landscape of exploitation

✅ The legal and ethical challenges facing lawmakers and prosecutors

✅ Why tech companies aren’t doing enough

✅ The role of parents, communities, and policy in prevention

✅ Signs of hope—and the growing movement toward education and reform

This is a difficult but essential conversation. By understanding the threat, we can work together to protect vulnerable children, support survivors, and demand accountability from those who shape our digital world.

Guest: Roger Canaff – Legal expert, advocate, and survivor

Learn more about Roger's work at https//rogercanaff.com

👉 Subscribe for more conversations that shine a light on pressing social issues.

👉 Share this episode to raise awareness and spark action.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:03 Roger Canaff's Journey and Motivation

02:24 AI and Sexual Exploitation

06:09 The Role of Social Media and Tech Companies

09:09 Legal and Legislative Efforts

12:12 Parental and Societal Responsibilities

13:33 Trauma Responses and Victim Support

18:45 Justice 3D and Training Initiatives

23:42 Roger Canaff's Books and Contact Information

25:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Artificial intelligence is transforming our world—but not always for the better. In this urgent episode of Lean To the Left, we explore how AI is fueling a disturbing rise in digital sexual exploitation, including the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse materials.

Our guest, Roger Canaff—former New York City special victims prosecutor, author, educator, and survivor—shares his unparalleled insight into how predators are weaponizing AI to manipulate innocent images, evade detection, and create explicit content without consent.

He also exposes the failures of tech companies, the challenges in our legal system, and the critical need for better enforcement and oversight.

We discuss:

✅ How AI-generated imagery is changing the landscape of exploitation

✅ The legal and ethical challenges facing lawmakers and prosecutors

✅ Why tech companies aren’t doing enough

✅ The role of parents, communities, and policy in prevention

✅ Signs of hope—and the growing movement toward education and reform

This is a difficult but essential conversation. By understanding the threat, we can work together to protect vulnerable children, support survivors, and demand accountability from those who shape our digital world.

Guest: Roger Canaff – Legal expert, advocate, and survivor

Learn more about Roger's work at https//rogercanaff.com

👉 Subscribe for more conversations that shine a light on pressing social issues.

👉 Share this episode to raise awareness and spark action.

Artificial intelligence is transforming our world—but not always for the better. In this urgent episode of Lean To the Left, we explore how AI is fueling a disturbing rise in digital sexual exploitation, including the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse materials.

Our guest, Roger Canaff—former New York City special victims prosecutor, author, educator, and survivor—shares his unparalleled insight into how predators are weaponizing AI to manipulate innocent images, evade detection, and create explicit content without consent.

He also exposes the failures of tech companies, the challenges in our legal system, and the critical need for better enforcement and oversight.

We discuss:

✅ How AI-generated imagery is changing the landscape of exploitation

✅ The legal and ethical challenges facing lawmakers and prosecutors

✅ Why tech companies aren’t doing enough

✅ The role of parents, communities, and policy in prevention

✅ Signs of hope—and the growing movement toward education and reform

This is a difficult but essential conversation. By understanding the threat, we can work together to protect vulnerable children, support survivors, and demand accountability from those who shape our digital world.

Guest: Roger Canaff – Legal expert, advocate, and survivor

Learn more about Roger's work at https//rogercanaff.com

👉 Subscribe for more conversations that shine a light on pressing social issues.

👉 Share this episode to raise awareness and spark action.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:03 Roger Canaff's Journey and Motivation

02:24 AI and Sexual Exploitation

06:09 The Role of Social Media and Tech Companies

09:09 Legal and Legislative Efforts

12:12 Parental and Societal Responsibilities

13:33 Trauma Responses and Victim Support

18:45 Justice 3D and Training Initiatives

23:42 Roger Canaff's Books and Contact Information

25:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What if the most powerful climate solution isn’t in some distant technology — but growing right above your head?

In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with Joshua Harrison, co-founder and chief strategy officer of Leaf Island, to explore how green roofs and nature-based design can radically reshape the way we live in cities.

With more than 80% of Americans living in urban areas, rising heat, pollution, and climate vulnerability are intensifying. But Harrison explains how integrating nature into our built environment — from rooftops to walls — can cool cities, absorb carbon, reduce energy costs, and create healthier spaces for everyone.

🌿 Inside the episode:

• Why green roofs are one of the most effective tools for fighting the urban heat island effect

• How plants use evapotranspiration to naturally cool entire neighborhoods

• The innovative way Leaf Island turns styrofoam waste into lightweight soil

• What cities like Singapore, Paris, and Mexico City can teach the U.S. about urban greening

• The surprising financial incentives for building owners

• How green infrastructure can extend roof life, reduce emissions, and support biodiversity

Harrison's message is simple and powerful: Cities don’t need to choose between modernity and nature — they can (and must) embrace both.

This conversation reveals a future where green roofs are not a luxury, but a standard part of urban resilience and climate adaptation.

👉 Learn more about Leaf Island

https://leafisland.org

👉 Subscribe for more discussions on climate, politics & social justice.

https://youtube.com/@leantotheleft

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to the Lean to the Left Podcast

00:10 The Environmental Challenge of Urban Heat

00:52 Introducing Joshua Harrison and Leaf Island

01:38 The Concept and Benefits of Green Roofs

03:17 Transforming Urban Spaces with Green Infrastructure

08:23 Challenges and Solutions for Existing Buildings

19:27 Global Examples of Green Infrastructure

21:49 Incentives and Benefits for Building Owners

24:08 Political and Environmental Perspectives

27:59 The Center for the Study of Force Majeure

30:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Why do liberals continue to struggle with political persuasion—even when the facts and policies are on their side?

In this episode of Lean to the Left, host Bob Gatty sits down with author, strategist, and political thinker Spencer Critchley to explore why liberals often fail to connect emotionally with voters, and how they can turn that around.

Drawing on his new Substack project, The Liberal Backbone, soon to become a published book, and his book Patriots of Two Nations, Spencer discusses:

• The “Liberal Paradox” — how rational thinking blinds progressives to emotional reality

• Why politics operates in the other 99% of human consciousness

• How Trump and other populists use simple emotional cues to persuade

• Why evidence-based arguments fail with many voters

• The global crisis facing liberal democracy

• How liberals can reclaim narrative, purpose, and connection

• The importance of rhetoric, storytelling, and identity in political communication

Spencer also explains why understanding—not dismissing—different perspectives is crucial for bridging America’s political divide.

🔹 About Spencer Critchley

Spencer is the award-winning host of Dastardly Cleverness in the Service of Good, author of Patriots of Two Nations, and a respected political strategist who has worked with Barack Obama’s campaigns and numerous progressive organizations.

Read The Liberal Backbone on Substack:

https://spencercritchley.substack.com

Learn more about his work:

https://dastardlycleverness.com

Read Patriots of Two Nations: https://amzn.to/4nXbLVK

(Free audio book, Kindle and Paperback versions on sale)

🔹 About Lean to the Left

Lean to the Left covers progressive politics, social justice, democracy, and the ongoing fight to hold Donald Trump and MAGA extremism accountable. Hosted by Bob Gatty.

If you believe in democracy, dignity, and truth — this channel is for you.

👉 Subscribe for more:

YouTube.com/@LeantotheLeft

On this special Veteran’s Day edition of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty welcomes Steve Miller, President and CEO of Wellness for Veterans.org. A former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, Steve has dedicated his life to helping veterans access the benefits they’ve earned — from healthcare to housing and education.

In this inspiring conversation, Steve shares how his own battles with the VA system motivated him to create a nonprofit that’s helped more than 600 veterans secure millions in benefits. He discusses:

• The challenges veterans face navigating complex systems

• Hidden benefits that too many veterans overlook

• How government shutdowns and politics impact military families

• Why voting and advocacy are essential for change

This Veteran’s Day, we honor those who’ve served — and those, like Steve Miller, who continue fighting for them.

👉 Learn more at WellnessForVeterans.org

📞 Contact Steve Miller directly at 412-389-7588 for assistance.

🎧 Listen, share, and subscribe for more interviews that inform, inspire, and empower.

#VeteransDay #LeanToTheLeft #Veterans #Advocacy #WellnessForVeterans #82ndAirborne #SupportOurTroops #VAbenefits #VeteranSupport #Podcast #MilitaryFamilies #ProgressiveMedia

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Current Challenges for Veterans

00:35 Meet Steve Miller: Veteran Advocate

01:20 Steve's Mission to Help Veterans

02:52 Hidden Benefits for Veterans

04:51 Steve's Personal Journey and Advocacy

08:01 Challenges in Veteran Support Systems

13:48 Call to Action and Contact Information

14:26 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty speaks with Shilpi Chhotray, co-founder and president of Counter Stream Media, an independent production and communications platform that amplifies stories on climate justice, plastic pollution, and environmental health.

Together, they discuss how climate justice is social justice, exploring how environmental degradation disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. From the tragic realities of Cancer Alley to the dismantling of environmental protections under the Trump administration, this conversation reveals how systemic injustices have shaped our environment — and what can be done to change it.

Shilpi discusses her work on “A People’s Climate”, a storytelling initiative giving voice to those fighting for their right to clean air, water, and soil. The discussion also highlights the power of independent media in shaping climate awareness and action.

💡 Topics Covered:

• Environmental racism and climate justice

• How storytelling drives advocacy and change

• Cancer Alley and its devastating impact

• Trump-era rollbacks on environmental protections

• The mission and vision behind Counter Stream Media

🌍 Learn more at counterstream.org and peoplesclimate.org

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome to Lean to the Left Podcast

00:09 Introducing Shilpi Chhotray and Counter Stream Media

01:06 Counter Stream Media's Mission and Projects

04:23 Environmental Justice Explained

06:28 Communities Impacted by Environmental Injustice

08:56 Trump Administration's Environmental Policies

12:37 Grassroots Activism and Media's Role

17:10 Challenges and Solutions in Clean Energy

27:30 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations that inspire change:

YouTube.com/@LeantotheLeft

#ClimateJustice #EnvironmentalJustice #LeanToTheLeftPodcast