Episodios

  • The New Frontier of Digital Sexual Exploitation: The Role of AI in Child Sex Abuse
    Nov 24 2025


    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

    Más Menos
    28 m
  • The Plants Above Your Head: How Green Roofs Can Reshape Urban Living
    Nov 22 2025

    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

    Más Menos
    33 m
  • The Liberal Challenge: How Liberals Can Finally Connect Effectively with Voters | Spencer Critchley
    Nov 17 2025

    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

    Más Menos
    29 m
  • Steve Miller: Empowering Our Veterans -- From Airborne to Advocacy
    Nov 9 2025

    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

    Más Menos
    16 m
  • Climate Justice is Social Justice
    Nov 3 2025

    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



    Más Menos
    28 m
  • Kaivan Shroff -- Countering Trump and Inspiring Change
    Oct 30 2025

    In this powerful episode of Lean to the Left, host Bob Gatty sits down with Kaivan Shroff, political commentator, attorney, and Triple Ivy League alum, to discuss the challenges — and opportunities — facing the Democratic Party.


    From mobilizing young voters to countering Trump’s rhetoric and redefining progressivism for a digital age, Shroff offers sharp insights and bold ideas, inspiring change for America’s political future.


    Watch now to discover:

    • Why youth engagement is key to revitalizing the left

    • How Democrats can balance protest energy with pragmatic solutions

    • What’s next for progressive politics in the age of AI and social media


    🎧 Available on all podcast platforms & YouTube @LeanToTheLeft

    👉 Subscribe today: LeanToTheLeft.net


    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

    00:48 Nationwide No Kings Rallies

    04:36 Trump's Totalitarian Actions and Democratic Response

    07:42 Young Voters and Modern Issues

    10:31 New York City Mayor's Race and Democratic Strategies

    13:53 MAGA Republicans and Democratic Challenges

    18:29 Young Men and Trump

    25:24 Higher Education and Trump's Influence

    29:08 David Hogg and Young Democratic Leadership

    32:33 Kaivan Shroff's Future Plans

    35:37 Conclusion and Contact Information

    Más Menos
    37 m
  • Elizabeth Jamison: How Trump's Government Shutdown Hurts Our Veterans
    Oct 26 2025

    How does Trump's government shutdown hurt our veterans? Will they get paid? When? How will they pay their rent and feed their families with no money coming in? Callously, they refuse to budge as Democrats continue to fight to protect the healthcare of those who rely on Medicaid and Obamacare.


    But for military families, the shutdown is more than simply a political gambit. It's real. It hurts. And many of our service members and veterans suffer.


    In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty welcomes Elizabeth Jamison, a tireless advocate for veterans and military families. From her early work as an attorney to her leadership role with Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces Initiative, Elizabeth has dedicated her career to improving lives and policies for those who serve.


    In this insightful conversation, she discusses the real-world impact of government shutdowns on military families, challenges within the VA system, and the crucial need for bipartisan action.


    💬 “Supporting veterans is not just about politics — it’s about humanity,” Jamison says.


    👉 Don’t miss this inspiring pre-Veterans Day episode that reminds us why advocacy matters.


    CHAPTERS:


    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

    01:23 Impact of Government Shutdown on Military Families

    05:58 Challenges in the VA System

    07:55 Libby's Advocacy and Legal Work

    11:28 Military Spouse Licensing and Employment

    14:14 Encouraging Military Families to Run for Office

    15:13 Work with Dr. Jill Biden and Policy Efforts

    17:36 Optimism and Future for Veterans

    20:36 Conclusion and Contact Information

    Más Menos
    21 m
  • Alzheimer's Research in the Crosshairs of Trump's Shutdown
    Oct 4 2025

    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

    Más Menos
    2 m