The Lean to the Left Podcast

As the holidays approach, the  Dixie Dems  take a step back—and a clear-eyed look forward—at a Southern political landscape that’s shifting in surprising ways. In this special holiday episode, Bob Gatty (South Carolina), Arthur Hill (North Carolina), and Robert Thompson (Georgia) share season’s greetings while digging into what’s ahead for Democrats in the South as 2026 comes into view....

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 Cr...

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 publi...

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 unparall...

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 unparall...

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 livin...

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 Bac...

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 batt...

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 disproportion...

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 f...

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 m...

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 act...

What happens when inanimate objects, like the Resolute Desk, and mythological monsters tell the story of Trump’s America? 🤯 In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty interviews author Barry Robbins, whose satirical books NO!, HELL NO!, and American Monsters offer a creative, humorous, yet deeply critical take on Donald Trump and the state of American politics. 📚 Robbins sha...

Nearly 40% of Americans now identify as independents, reflecting deep frustration with partisan politics. In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, Bob Gatty speaks with Adam Brandon, senior advisor at the Independent Center and co-author of The Exhausted Majority. Brandon shares his journey from leading FreedomWorks to shaping a new independent movement that seeks to disrupt the two-party...

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...

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,...

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 administratio...

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 broad...

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 s...

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...

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 o...

Welcome to Dixie Dems, part of the Lean to the Left Podcast, the premier progressive voice in the South. In this episode, we feature Catherine Fleming Bruce, a committed Democratic activist running for the Democratic nomination to challenge Senator Lindsey Graham. Hosted by Arthur Hill, Robert Thompson, and Bob Gatty, the discussion covers Catherine’s motivations, grassroots activism, and her plan...

The political atmosphere in this country with Donald Trump is hateful and getting worse. He is entrenching himself as a dictator and it's amazing that his MAGA supporters don't see this. Does he really think firing the person who reports his bad job numbers will change things? Come on, people. By the way, somebody, via email, threatened to throw acid in my face unless I paid him $4k. Was that beca...

Hey guys, are you looking for the Epstein list of bigshot pedo clients to be revealed? Well, that's not The List this episode is about. Sorry. Nope, it's an interview with international bestselling author Steve Berry about his latest suspense thriller, 'The List.' You'll discover the chilling tale of a company in Georgia that eliminates their most expensive employees to control costs. They simply...