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.

What are some wealth creation strategies in today's economy? Welcome to the Lean to the Left Podcast with our guest, Bronson Hill, managing member of Bronson Equity and and author of the bestselling book 'Fire Yourself: Replace Your Working Income in Three Years or Less.'

Hill is general partner in 2,500 multifamily units worth over $250 million and the host of the Mailbox Money show.

During the show, Hill explores the impact of Trump's tariffs and inflation, and possible investment strategies for those seeking to capitalize on opportunities and avoid the pitfalls resulting from today's economic environment. Hill discusses the importance of passive income, the effects of inflation on everyday expenses, and ways to capitalize on current economic conditions.

The conversation also touches on the growing influence of artificial intelligence and its implications on employment in the future. Bronson shares about the Wealth Forum, a platform for high net worth individuals to discuss investment opportunities and financial growth. Additionally, he provides practical advice for those looking to embark on their investment journeys.

Hill also is the author of a new investment guide, "How to Use Inflation to Your Advantage," which he is generously offering for free to Lean to the Left listeners and viewers. To receive your copy, text the word "Inflation" to 33777. To purchase his book, 'Fire Yourself: Replace Your Working Income in Three Years or Less.' visit https://amzn.to/4fGwquX.

Don't miss this insightful conversation aimed at helping you achieve financial freedom and build a prosperous future.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to the Lean to Left Podcast

00:20 Meet Bronson Hill: Wealth Generation Expert

01:01 The Importance of Passive Income

02:02 Impact of Tariffs and Inflation

03:45 Opportunities Amidst Economic Challenges

09:43 The Wealth Forum: A Network for High Net Worth Investors

12:42 Bronson Hill's Journey to Financial Freedom

17:50 Investment Strategies and Tax Benefits

20:11 The Future of AI in Investments

25:20 Final Thoughts and Free Resources

Thousands of trans troops are being banned and facing removal from the U.S. military under a Trump administration ban. The Pentagon’s message: self-identify and leave voluntarily with extended benefits — or face involuntary separation.

Could this be just the beginning? Could gay service members be next?

In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, retired Army officer and author Darrell Berry shares his personal experiences with anti-gay attitudes in the military and his insights on the potential impact of these policies on the LGBTQ+ community.

Berry also discusses his gripping novel Early This Morning, a powerful blend of military life, espionage, and the fight for equality — including the creation of an all-gay Army unit sent on a near-suicidal mission. Is it fiction… or could something like this really happen?

WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast

00:53 – Meet Darrell Berry

01:55 – Life in the Military & Anti-Gay Attitudes

03:51 – The Plot of Early This Morning

07:15 – Comparing Stories with Author Steve Berry

09:14 – Trump’s Impact on LGBTQ+ Rights

11:07 – Darrell’s Writing Journey & Future Projects

12:55 – Publishing and Book Availability

14:51 – Final Thoughts

🎙️ Listen now and join the conversation about fairness, equality, and resilience in America’s armed forces.

📚 Early This Morning by Darrell Berry – [Insert Amazon link]

#TransgenderTroops #MilitaryEquality #LGBTQRights #DarrellBerry #LeanToTheLeftPodcast #TrumpMilitaryBan #GaySoldiers #MilitaryLife #LGBTQMilitary #EarlyThisMorning

In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, Amanda Lipman, founder and president of Run for Something discusses the future of the Democratic Party, the importance of inspiring young Democratic candidates, and Run for Something's mission to encourage and support young, diverse progressives running for local office.

Amanda discusses the rise of millennial and Gen Z candidates and their impact on local politics, as well as her new book, 'When We Are in Charge.'

They also touch on the challenges facing the Democratic Party and the need for embracing genuine values, the role of new communication tools in modern politics, and the importance of grassroots leadership.

It is clear that the Democratic Party stands at a crucial juncture. At a time when young individuals increasingly turn toward Republican ideals, despite Donald Trump, there's a pressing need to reinvigorate the Democrats.

Millennials and Gen Zs are tired of bullshit and inauthenticity, and the Democratic Party must recognize that to succeed, Litman says.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Topic

00:29 Meet Amanda Lipman: Founder of Run for Something

01:21 The Mission and Impact of Run for Something

03:05 Challenges and Strategies for Young Democratic Leaders

05:19 The Rise of Zohran Mamdani and Its Impact

08:25 The Future of the Democratic Party and Young Leaders

17:30 Amanda Lipman's Book and Final Thoughts