The Lean to the Left Podcast

No Kings Day: Challenging MAGA in the SouthJoin us as the Lean to the Left Podcast explores the recent nationwide No Kings Day rallies opposing Donald Trump's actions, including significant protests in Myrtle Beach, SC. The discussion features John Vincent, a Democrat and retired US Navy Command Master Chief, who aims to unseat MAGA representative Russell Fry as he, in effect, is challenging MAGA...

The Battle for Press FreedomJoin us in this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast as we discuss President Trump's contentious relationship with the media and the battle for press freedom. From banning reporters and cutting funding for public broadcasters to restricting access and filing lawsuits, his actions against the press are unprecedented and have helped lead to an increased lack of media t...

Opportunities for Democrats in Red StatesIn this episode of Lean to the Left's Dixie Dems, host Bob Gatty of South Carolina is joined by Arthur Hill of North Carolina, Robert Thompson of Georgia, and special guest Dan Schaefer. Schaefer, who previously ran for Missouri State House and plans a 2026 run, discusses his motivations, key issues like women's rights and labor unions, and the influence of...

Americas Political DivideIn this episode of the Lean to Live Podcast, Bob Gatty engages with Dr. Craig Wiener, a seasoned psychologist from Worcester, Massachusetts, to explore Americas political and social divide in the United States as political polarization seems to be worsening nearly every day. With over 40 years in private practice and a wealth of experience in teaching and clinical directio...

Boosting Youth Voter Turnout: Connor Treacy on Lean to the Left PodcastIn this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty interviews Connor Treacy, a California political organizer and former nightlife executive, about the low voter turnout among young people in the 2024 presidential election. Connor suggests that young voters shifted to Trump because of the participation of Elon Musk...

Host Bob Gatty interviews Chad Lewis, author of 'The Persuasion Game,' to explore the influence-peddling schemes of Rudy Giuliani, Lev Parnas, and Igor Fruman during the Trump administration. The discussion covers the impact of these schemes on American democracy, the spread of Russian disinformation, and comparisons to authoritarian regimes like Turkey. Global influence peddling was the name of t...

Beacon4Hope: Veterans and Youth Suicide PreventionWelcome to the Lean to the Left Podcast as we explore the pressing issue of suicide among veterans and young people. Our guest, Douglas Brinker, founder of Beacon4Hope, Suicide Prevention, and author of 'My Shadow From a Suicidal Self to a Purpose with Hope,' shares his incredible story of overcoming his own suicide attempts and turning his life ar...

Dictatorship Dream: Trump Third Term FantasyOn the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty welcomes bestselling author Paul Greenberg to discuss his political satire, which imagines George Washington returning to run against a tyrant reminiscent of Donald Trump, who is seeking a third term in office. Greenberg shares his motivations for writing the novella, the importance of democracy to environm...

Aly Vredenburgh: Gen Z Mental Health in Crisis | Lean to the Left PodcastIn this episode, mental health activist Aly Vredenburgh, author of "Out Of Focus dives deep into the mental health crisis gripping Generation Z.From soaring rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness to the crushing effects of capitalism, climate anxiety, student debt, and housing instability, we explore the systemic forces...

Republicans in South Carolina's 7th Congressional District believe they are in the catbird seat, that they are virtually unbeatable in what they call "Trump Country." It's the same old story in South Carolina politics. But Democrat John Gregory Vincent, a small business owner and retired U.S. Navy Command Master Chief, believes he can knock off the MAGA GOP incumbent, Russell Fry in this slice of...

What happens when a Republican author slams Trump’s tariffs, calls out Medicare cuts, and pushes back on RFK Jr.'s health claims—all on a progressive podcast? In this episode of Lean to the Left, host Bob Gatty speaks with Michael Goodwin, Florida Republican and author of the political satire Vice Versa. With Wall Street experience and a sharp pen, Goodwin offers a rare, candid take on Trump’s eco...

In Elon Musk's Tesla backlash, his EV car company's profits have plunged 72%—and it's no mystery why. As Musk plays co-president with Trump, slashing federal programs and putting thousands out of work, the backlash is hitting his wallet hard. In this fiery commentary, Bob Gatty breaks down why Americans are fed up with Musk’s ego-driven wrecking ball approach to governance—and why Tesla’s fall fro...

Trump's Immigration Policies and Their Impact | Tahmina Watson on Lean to the Left PodcastIn this powerful episode of The Lean to the Left Podcast, hosts Bob Gatty and Mark M. Bello explore with immigration attorney and author Tahmina Watson the devastating effects of Donald Trump’s immigration policies on immigrants, businesses, and American democracy. Watson, founder of Watson Immigration Law in...

In this episode, we delve into America's love for donuts, with over 10 billion consumed annually and the donut market valued at $11.22 billion in 2024. We highlight the caloric intake from donuts and discuss the controversial statement by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., suggesting that frequent donut eaters should cover their own healthcare costs. Is it fair to single out donut enthusiasts an...

Jacqueline Friedland on Women's Rights and Legal Thrills & Social JusticePassionate about women's rights? This powerful episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast features author Jacqueline Friedland , who joins host Bob Gatty to discuss her gripping new legal thriller, Counting Backwards. Inspired by real-life events, the novel tackles urgent issues like reproductive rights, female incarceration, im...

Fired? Don't Quit -- Start a New ChapterIn between jobs? Are you a federal employee fired by Trump/Musk or someone who's lost their job outside of government because of Trump's latest actions? Don't quit, take this opportunity to start a new chapter in your life. That's the advice of John David Graham, who's started over many times and now has written a highly successful book drawn from his experi...

Exposing the Anti-Woke Movement with Author Mark S. Bacon – Lean to the Left PodcastTired of hearing the Trump/MAGA people constantly attacking "woke" as being harmful to the USA? Check out this interview withj Mark S. Bacon, author of 'The Woke and the Dead.' The novel, inspired by right-wing and hate group philosophies, examines themes of anti-racism, LGBTQ+ rights, climate change activism, and...

Navigating Dementia: Lisa Skinner on Alzheimer's ChallengesIf you have received an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis or you care for someone who has, tune into this episode for valuable insights and practical tips on steps you can take. As the Trump administration devastates federal research programs aimed at finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease, the Lean to the Left podcast explores its complexitie...

The Birmingham PromiseHow can a progressive young mayor from the deep South help thousands of students attend college, combat gun violence, and drive economic growth? Listen to this powerful episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast as hosts Arthur Hill, Robert Thompson, and Bob Gatty sit down with Mayor Randall Woodfin, the youngest mayor in Birmingham, Alabama’s history. Mayor Woodfin discusses hi...

Blueprint for a Nonviolent RevolutionTune into this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast as host Bob Gatty welcomes guest Michael Goldstein, a retired criminal appeals lawyer and author of 'Return of the Light' and 'Blessed Disillusionment.' Goldstein offers a blueprint for a massive nonviolent revolution to address issues like social justice, economic and health security, and sustainability, w...

The Failure of the Death PenaltyJoin investigative journalist Gianna Toboni as she discusses her new book, 'The Volunteer, the Failure of the Death Penalty in America, and One Inmate's Quest to Die with Dignity.' Through her extensive research and interviews with death row inmates, Toboni exposes the systemic flaws of the death penalty in the United States. She shares her experiences interviewing...

Constitutional Crisis: Trump's Path to PowerIf you are concerned that America is facing a constitutional crisis and heading towards a Donald Trump dictatorship, please check out this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast. Attorney and legal thriller author Mark M. Bello says our country, indeed, is in a constitutional crisis spurred by Donald Trump's actions, all aimed at solidifying his path to...

The Fairness Project: Fighting Back in the StatesIf you care about issues like abortion rights, minimum wage increases, and paid family leave, check out this episode of the 'Lean to the Left' podcast, which explores a proven strategy to overcome political odds to enact meaningful change. Our guest is Kelly Hall, Executive Director of The Fairness Project, a national ballot measure organization tha...

The Fight Against Modern SlaveryIn this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, we dive deep into the alarming issue of human trafficking with modern slavery expert Matthew Friedman, CEO of Mekong Club. With over 29 years of experience, Matthew shares his harrowing journey, shedding light on the exploitation of an estimated 50 million people worldwide. From forced labor in fields and factories to...

Dixie Dems: The Trump Catastrophe with Michael MooreJoin us for a compelling conversation about the future of American politics and the need for active participation in democracy. In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty of South Carolina welcomes special guest Michael Moore, a Democratic businessman from Charleston, South Carolina, who previously challenged MAGA Rep. Nancy...