The Lean to the Left Podcast

Big news with President Biden withdrawing as the Democratic presidential candidate and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to take on Donald Trump. It was obviously a difficult decision for Joe Biden to make, but under the circumstances, it was the right one. There is no way this country can weather another four years of Trump, and there are too many questions about the ravages of age and healt...

In this interview on the Lean to the Left podcast, Michael B. Moore, the Democratic candidate running against Republican Representative Nancy Mace in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, discusses his campaign, background, and key priorities.  Moore stresses that while Biden has done an extraordinary job, the focus needs to shift to key issues, such as health care, reproductive rights, and...

In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty discusses critical social issues such as education, racism, and politics with Eugene Williams Jr., an educator, author, speaker, and former high school principal. Williams shares insights from his extensive career, talks about the challenges and successes in public education, and explores the impacts of defunding public education, the...

In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, we discuss the growing movement to hold big oil companies accountable for their environmental impacts. Jamie Henn, founder and executive director of Fossil Free Media, discusses legislative efforts like Senator Chris Van Hollen’s climate fund bill, state campaigns in Vermont and New York, and the broader implications of climate action. Henn shares i...

Welcome to the Lean to the Left podcast featuring the Dixie Dems! In this episode, hosts Bob Gatty, Arthur Hill from North Carolina, and Robert Thompson from Georgia discuss politics with special guest, former presidential candidate Jason Palmer. A successful venture capitalist, Palmer says President Biden should be replaced by a younger candidate and shares insights on his new initiative, Togethe...

In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, we delve into ageism and its impacts on society, especially in the context of the criticism faced by President Joe Biden due to his age. Host Bob interviews Dr. Gail C. Christopher, Executive Director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity, who highlights the prevalence and dangers of ageism. Dr. Christopher discusses her work against vario...

Join us as we discuss critical threats facing America's rivers, from the recent Supreme Court decision impacting the Clean Water Act to ongoing pressures like climate change and development. Representatives from American Rivers Organization, Winyah Rivers Alliance, Idle No More South Carolina, and South Carolina Coastal Conservation League delve into the 10 most endangered rivers of 2023 and empha...

Welcome to the 'Lean to the Left' podcast! In this episode, host Bob Gatty interviews Peter Sacks, author of 'Libertyland', a gripping thriller that explores themes of individualism and political conspiracy reminiscent of January 6th. Sacks discusses his inspiration, his background in economics and journalism, and his transition from nonfiction to fiction writing. They delve into current political...

In this powerful and touching episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, Sarah Cart, a journalist, wife, and mother of four, shares her heartfelt journey of becoming her husband's caregiver when he needed a heart transplant. Sarah reflects on the emotional and physical challenges, the support from her community, and the importance of faith, grit, and grace. She provides valuable advice for other car...

In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, Democratic candidate Mel Hyman outlines his campaign for South Carolina's solidly Republican 7th congressional district. With a focus on Common Sense for the Common Good, Hyman aims to unseat one-term incumbent Russell Frye. The discussion spans a wide range of topics, including jobs, healthcare, education, reproductive rights, and the environment....

Explore the insightful analysis of veteran diplomat Stuart E. Eizenstat on ending Wars in Gaza & Ukraine as he shares the keys to peace and diplomacy from his long experience as an international negotiator. In this episode, we speak with Ambassador Eisenstadt about his latest book, which includes interviews with dozens of U.S. and global leaders such as Presidents Clinton, Carter, and others. Eise...

Join the Dixie Dams—Arthur Hill, Robert Thompson, and the host from South Carolina—as they dive into current political issues on the Lean to the Left podcast. The episode covers a range of hot topics including Trump's New York hush money trial, a new initiative to energize young voters called TOGETHER!, Supreme Court decisions on gerrymandering and other impactful rulings, and heated debates over...

In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, we delve into the critical issue of teenage depression and the alarming rates of youth suicide. Host Bob Gatty welcomes Dr. Scott Kolbaba, an Internal Medicine Physician from Chicago, who shares his poignant experiences and insights. Dr. Kolbaba, an Amazon bestselling author, highlights his children's book 'Clara's Magic Garden,' which addresses the...

Bringing Civility and Innovation to Politics: Together's Vision for the Future Lean to the Left podcast hosts an insightful discussion with Jason Palmer, Debra Perry Piscione, and Kwame Jackson, co-founders of Together, a new organization aimed at reducing political polarization by mobilizing young voters and endorsing a new generation of leaders. Aiming for inclusivity, civility, and entrepreneur...

On the Lean to the Left podcast, author Matthew Stevenson credits our show with providing a forum for meaningful intellectual discussion about the key political and social issues of our time. Stevenson made his comments at the close of an interview for our show during which he discussed the conundrum faced by many voters who must choose between President Biden and Donald Trump in November. That ep...

In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, host Bob Gatty is joined by author Matthew Stevenson, who discusses his book 'Donald Trump's Circus Maximus and Joe Biden's Excellent Adventure,' detailing his firsthand experiences following the 2016 and 2020 U.S. presidential elections. Stevenson shares insights into the personalities of key political figures like Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Hill...

In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty interviews Gerald Epstein, author of 'Busting the Bankers Club,' and a professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Epstein discusses how powerful interests within the 'Bankers Club,' including big banks like JP Morgan and Bank of America, federal institutions like the Federal Reserve, financial regulators, and o...

In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, Lori Alhadeff shares the heartbreaking story of losing her daughter Alyssa in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting on Valentine's Day, 2018. Lori discusses the founding of the Make Our Schools Safe organization, dedicated to preventing such tragedies through initiatives like Alyssa's Law, which mandates panic buttons in schools. Lori, a...

The script discusses the challenges President Biden faces in his reelection campaign, including concerns over his age and a desire among some Democrats for an alternative candidate. The conversation includes insights from Edward Segal, a political strategist and historian, who suggests that Biden could benefit from conducting a whistle stop campaign tour, a strategy that has historical significanc...

In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, host Bob Gatty welcomes Dick Batchelor, a former Florida House Representative and influential business consultant with a 50-year career in public service. The discussion delves into the current divisiveness in American society, touching on political polarization, the impact of Donald Trump's presidency, and the challenges of achieving consensus in s...

In this episode of the 'Lean to the Left' podcast, the Dixie Dems, composed of Arthur Hill, Robert Thompson, and the host, engage in a lively discussion on current political happenings amid Donald Trump's hush money trial and its implications. Topics include the Republicans' challenges, Marjorie Taylor Greene's push against House Speaker Mike Johnson, and the Democrats' prospects in upcoming elect...

Uncover the truth behind 'The Kecksburg UFO: The Story of the Century' with UFO investigator Stan Gordon. Explore the mysterious events of 1965 and beyond. It was in the early evening of Thursday, December 9, 1965 that the night editor of the Greensburg, PA, Tribune-Review sent me to the little rural community of Kecksburg, PA, to cover the reported landing of an unidentified flying object in the...

Businessman Michael B. Moore is seeking the Democratic nomination to oppose MAGA Republican Nancy Mace in the 1st CD in South Carolina. Discover how Moore is carrying the family legacy in South Carolina, seeking to follow in the footsteps of his pioneering great-great-grandfather in Congress 150 years ago. In 2020, Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina’s First Congressional District, edged...

Women are 51 percent of the U.S. population, but only 33 percent of state legislators across the country are women, and the way things are, it could take more than 200 years to reach parity.  That’s where the organization Vote Run Lead comes in. Its goal is to close that gap, and so has launched an initiative called “Charting a Path to Women’s Majority,” to help achieve that. Vote Run Lead offers...

In 2020, Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina’s First Congressional District, edged out Democratic incumbent Rep. Joe Cunningham. He was the first Democrat to flip a House seat in South Carolina in 30 years. Mace won by just 5,400 votes, or one percent. Then, two years ago, following redistricting, Mace won reelection by 14 percent. Since then, Mace was critical of Trump following the Jan....