Episodios

  • Confronting Outrage: A Conversation on Media and Polarization

    Confronting Outrage: A Conversation on Media and Polarization
    Aug 31 2024

    Confronting Outrage: A Conversation on Media and Polarization

    Thank you for tuning in! I'm passionate about bringing progressive voices to the forefront, and I hope our discussions inspire you to think critically about the issues we face today.


    Join us on the Lean to the Left podcast with David Beckemeyer, a tech veteran and host of the Outrage Overload podcast.


    Together we discuss the pervasive impact of outrage in media and politics, the role of both conservative and liberal media in fueling toxic polarization, and strategies for counteracting this divisive trend.


    Beckemeyer offers insights from his 25+ years in the tech industry, his role in democratizing the internet, and his work in science communication.


    Learn how progressives can effectively cope with outrage media and the importance of pragmatic empathy in today's polarized climate.


    CHAPTERS;

    00:00 Introduction: Media Outrage and Polarization

    00:50 Meet the Guest: David Beckmeyer

    01:38 Understanding Outrage Porn

    03:27 The Concept of Outrage Overload

    04:23 Coping with Outrage Media

    07:01 The Role of Conversations and Bridge Building

    12:49 Impact of Media Manipulation

    18:54 David Beckmeyer's Podcast: Outrage Overload

    21:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    26 m
  • Trump, Kennedy & Roadkill

    Trump, Kennedy & Roadkill
    Aug 26 2024
    One Nutcase Joins AnotherRobert F. Kennedy, Jr., the man who had a parasitic worm in his brain, tried to get Kamala Harris to give him a job in her new administration, has dropped out of the presidential sweepstakes and is backing another nutcase, Donald J. Trump.They deserve each other and make a great match considering that Trump, while his brain apparently is worm-free, is about as wacko as you can get considering that during the Covid pandemic he tossed out the idea of injecting people with bleach to prevent the onset of the virus that's claimed more than 1.2 million people, mostly on his watch.And remember what he said in 2020: "I don't take responsibility at all."OK, so now worm-brain RFK Jr. has hooked up with Trump in his effort to derail the Harris-Walz march to the White House. It's a great fit, too, because Kennedy once sent a friend a pic of himself with what he claimed to be a barbecued dog cooked on a spit. So, he should get along great with Trump's VP runningmate JD Vance, who apparently has something against cats.A lot of women are pissed off at Vance for saying the U.S. is being run by Democrats, corporate oligarchs and "a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices they've made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too."Wow! That is really weird! How does that dovetail with all the joy the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz team is bringing to the presidential campaign -- and, really, the nation? It's especially weird, too, because it's the Republicans who are being run by corporate oligarchs who Trump is trying to hit up for campaign cash, not the Democrats who are laser focused on helping the middle class.Anyway, the Democratic National Committee"s War Room has emailed a press release with reactions to the RFK Jr's support of Trump, as he apparently has given up hopes of working in the Harris administration because Kamala refused to take his call. So, he's now switching to Trump where he must think he could find a job. Hopefully, however, it would not be as dog catcher.Here are some of the comments published by the War Room following Kennedy's endorsement of Trump:The Hill: GOP strategist cautions Trump on joining forces with RFK Jr: ‘He’s kind of a looney tune’“Republican strategist Scott Jennings advised former President Trump to be careful now that he has seemingly joined forces with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., arguing the independent presidential candidate is ‘kind of a looney tune.’ [...] ‘There could be some cost on the other side of the algebra…he’s a conspiracy theorist, and a lot of people think he’s kind of a looney tune.’”Stuart Stevens on MSNBC with Ali Velshi “Well, you know, Donald Trump objects to being called weird. So what does he do…he goes and takes this endorsement from, you know, one of the sadder figures in American public life. A guy who clearly is just broken…you have two candidates that are supporting Putin, two candidates who would like to end the war in Ukraine so that Russia could take Ukraine, and you have two candidates who are against any mandatory vaccines in schools…that's the pro—polio route. I mean, it is just as nutty as it can be, and it will continue to dismay me that other members of my former party don't call it out. It's just crazy."Ronald Brownstein with CNN’s Michael Smerconish“And I think this latent threat to Trump of being associated with anti vaccine extremism that Kennedy brings to him, I think on balance, this will end up being more of a problem than an asset.”Scott Jennings and Karen Finney on State of the Union with Jake TapperJennings: “My caution, my advice, would be the downstream effects of this.You now own anything [RFK Jr.] might do or say for the next couple of months, and this may or may not inure your benefits. So I would just caution, careful, careful.”Finney: “If you want to have that endorsement, I'm perfectly happy for you to because that's fine. I mean, people who take dead bear cubs to Central Park… if you want that vote, go for it.”Jennifer Rubin on MSNBC’s The Saturday Show “I think the more people know about Bobby Kennedy, the more people who are sane will not want to vote for him. I think he is a perfect match for Donald Trump. And in fact, if I were JD Vance, I would stick by the phone, because he might be just the kind of guy that Trump would pull in as an October surprise. He is freakish in every sense of the word, whether it's picking up bear road kill or eating a barbecue dog. But much more seriously, he's a nut. He is a conspiracy nut. He's a racist."And so, indeed, worm-brain RFK, Jr. is a perfect match for Trump as one nutcase joins another. Walz got it right. Those guys really are weird.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.
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    8 m
  • The Sin of Racial Capitalism and For-Profit Prisons

    The Sin of Racial Capitalism and For-Profit Prisons
    Aug 23 2024
    Racial Capitalism and America's For-Profit Prisons with Dr. Robin Bernstein
    Thank you for tuning in! I'm passionate about bringing progressive voices to the forefront, and I hope our discussions inspire you to think critically about the issues we face today.

    In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, we discuss America's ongoing struggle with racism and racial capitalism in America's for-profit prisons with Dr. Robin Bernstein, the Dillon Professor of American History at Harvard University.

    Dr. Bernstein explores the shocking history of convict leasing in the north well before the Civil War through her book 'Freeman's Challenge: The Murder That Shook America's Original Prison for Profit'. The conversation delves into the story of William Freeman, a Black and Native American teenage convict who refused to work for free, and the broader implications of anti-Black racism in the context of the for-profit prison system.

    This enlightening discussion reveals the often overlooked roots of racial capitalism in America, especially in the North, historical misconceptions, and the modern-day parallels in the prison system.

    CHAPTERS:
    00:00 Introduction to Racial Capitalism
    00:23 Meet Dr. Robin Bernstein
    00:39 The Story of William Freeman
    02:28 Convict Leasing in the North
    02:50 The 13th Amendment and Northern Slavery
    04:28 Modern Prisons for Profit
    06:08 Freeman's Resistance and Its Impact
    09:48 Historical Context and Racial Innocence
    11:53 Freeman's True Story
    14:55 The Myth of Black Criminality
    18:25 Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman
    22:38 Contemporary Relevance of Freeman's Story
    23:49 Challenging the Prison System
    26:21 Conclusion and Contact Information

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.
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    30 m
  • Kamala Harris, Trump and Woke Politics: An Interview with Richard Pellegrino

    Kamala Harris, Trump and Woke Politics: An Interview with Richard Pellegrino
    Aug 19 2024
    Kamala Harris, Trump and Woke Politics

    Thank you for tuning in! I'm passionate about bringing progressive voices to the forefront, and I hope our discussions inspire you to think critically about the issues we face today.

    In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, host Bob Gatty engages with Richard Pellegrino, author of 'I'm Not White, One Man's Journey from Whiteness to Oneness,' and founder of the Global Woke Institute. They discuss the challenges and significance of Kamala Harris's Democratic nomination for president, the persistent issues of racism and sexism in America, and the misuse of the word "woke" by Republicans when criticizing Democrats.

    Pellegrino shares his personal journey from privilege and addiction to becoming a voice for racial and social justice, highlighting the profound impact of his family's multiracial background, his involvement in civil rights and anti-war movements, and his subsequent spiritual and global awakening.

    The conversation focuses on race, identity, and woke politics, the realities of U.S. foreign policy, and the interconnectedness of all people as the presidential election contest between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump unfolds.

    CHAPTERS:
    00:00 Introduction: Kamala Harris and the Question of Readiness
    00:55 Guest Introduction: Richard Pellegrino
    01:43 Richard's Book: From Whiteness to Oneness
    03:03 Family Background and Multiracial Identity
    04:45 The 70s Awakening and Personal Struggles
    10:31 Political Views and Kamala Harris
    18:06 Global Woke Institute and Redefining 'Woke'
    21:53 Global Citizenship and Oneness
    27:40 Call to Action and Conclusion

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.
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    32 m
  • Could Civil War Make a Comeback in a Divided Nation?

    Could Civil War Make a Comeback in a Divided Nation?
    Aug 16 2024
    Could Civil War Make a Comeback in a Divided Nation?
    In this episode, our guest is a conservative author who envisions a second civil war that takes place nearly 40 years in the future. I believe in the power of dialogue to drive change, so If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe! We have many more thought-provoking discussions lined up that you won't want to miss.

    In this episode of Lean to the Left, our guest is William R. Douglas, author of 'The Sum of All Our Anger' (https://amzn.to/3SOeeoW), a futuristic novel imagining how civil war makes a comeback in our divided nation.

    We discuss the political and social conditions that lead to the war, the motivations behind Douglas's writing, and the potential real-world implications of ongoing political divisiveness. Douglas believes the political temperature in the U.S. makes it possible for civil war to return unless steps are taken to cool things down.

    The conversation also touches on Douglas's previous work, 'The Death and Resurrection of Baseball,' (https://amzn.to/4fK5slI) and explores how both novels connect.

    They delve into the role of extreme ideologies, the importance of dialogue across political divides, and the hope for preventing such a dire future scenario.

    CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction: The Possibility of a Second Civil War
    00:33 Guest Introduction: William R. Douglas
    01:25 The Inspiration Behind 'The Sum of All Our Anger'
    02:58 Plot Overview: A Future Civil War
    07:13 Texas Secession and the New President
    10:44 The War Unfolds: Key Events and Characters
    18:32 The Aftermath and Lessons from the Novel
    22:05 Modern Political Climate and Reflections
    30:23 Concluding Thoughts and Final Message

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.
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    40 m
  • I am Woman: A Call to Action for Womens Rights

    I am Woman: A Call to Action for Womens Rights
    Aug 10 2024
    I am Woman: A Call to Action for Womens Rights We present a new version of "I Am Woman," the 1970s-era Helen Reddy masterpiece that's been adapted for the 2024 presidential campaign. If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe! We have many more thought-provoking discussions lined up that you won't want to miss.

    In this powerful episode, Connie DeJuliis and Donna Lent discuss the impact of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the importance of women's reproductive rights, and the work of the National Women's Political Caucus.

    Highlighting a passionate remake of Helen Reddy's 'I Am Woman,' that they helped create, the conversation underscores women's resilience and determination to fight for women's rights, including reproductive rights.

    DeJuliis and Lent call for active participation in upcoming elections to protect women's freedom to choose, and share personal insights into their advocacy and organizing efforts.

    CHAPTERS:
    00:00 Women Under Attack: Roe v. Wade Overturned
    00:27 Empowerment Anthem: 'I Am Woman'
    03:26 Meet the Creators: Connie and Donna
    06:04 Historical Context: Women's Fight for Rights
    14:04 The Current Political Landscape
    24:54 Call to Action: Mobilizing for Change
    31:52 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.
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    36 m
  • The Hidden Influences on Journalism: From CIA to Corporate Bias

    The Hidden Influences on Journalism: From CIA to Corporate Bias
    Aug 5 2024
    The Hidden Influences on Journalism: From CIA to Corporate Bias

    In this episode, we explore the unseen forces shaping modern journalism. Dan Luzadder, a seasoned journalist known for infiltrating controversial and secretive organizations, reveals a network of CIA influence on media and the push to protect powerful interests in both business and government.

    We delve into the perplexing realms of misinformation, disinformation, and media bias, discussing the role of elite establishments and government agencies.

    The episode touches on historical conspiracies, such as the JFK assassination, as Luzadder believes that powerful interests, perhaps including the CIA, were behind that terrible act.

    Luzadder highlights the changing landscape of investigative reporting amidst dwindling journalistic jobs as corporate interests continue to control news media outlets, including local newspapers -- where they still exist.

    This thought-provoking discussion aims to uncover whether unbiased, independent journalism is still achievable today.

    CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Influence of Special Interests on Journalism
    00:33 CIA's Domestic Propaganda and Cultural Cold War
    01:39 Controversial Historical Events and Figures
    02:20 Exploring Media Bias and Investigative Journalism
    03:46 Challenges Facing Modern Journalism

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.
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    42 m
  • Kristen Monroe Why Don't Republicans Stand Up to Trump

    Kristen Monroe Why Don't Republicans Stand Up to Trump
    Aug 3 2024
    Why Hasn't the GOP Stood Up to Trump?
    If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and drop us a comment or two. Remember to check back with us as we focus on important political developments and the key social issues that face us all.

    In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, we welcome author and University of California professor, Kristen Monroe, to discuss her latest book, 'Politics, Principle, and Standing Up to Donald Trump, Moral Courage in the Republican Party.'

    Monroe explores why many Republican leaders continue to support Donald Trump despite his legal and moral abuses, and analyzes the GOP mindset that prioritizes Trump loyalty over traditional conservative values.

    Lean why the GOP hasn't stood up to Trump. Monroe shares info from interviews with notable figures like Anthony Scaramucci and Rick Wilson, as well as her findings on the role of moral courage within the party. Join us for this in-depth discussion on politics, leadership, and the future of American democracy.

    CHAPTERS:
    00:00 Introduction: The GOP's Trump Loyalty Dilemma
    00:23 Author Kristen Monroe's Insightful Analysis
    01:27 The Research Process and Key Interviews
    04:03 Republican Leaders' Shift in Loyalty
    07:04 The Enigma of Mitch McConnell
    08:55 Core Values and Moral Dilemmas
    10:12 Trump's Appeal to MAGA Followers
    11:45 Populism and Authoritarianism in Trump's Strategy
    15:55 The Transformation of the Republican Party
    20:11 Impactful Political Ads
    20:46 Biden's Decency and Presidency
    21:37 Kamala Harris and Women's Rights
    24:13 Republican Views on Trump
    28:50 Moral Courage and Ethical Leadership
    33:59 The Importance of Voting

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.
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    40 m