Best of the Left Podcast

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The Podcasts

Air Date: 6–21-2019
Today we take a look at the ways that Native Peoples are represented in white society and pop culture, how some are working to take back their own narratives and some insight into the profound effects, both positive and negative, of how peoples are represented.
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Opinion polls about offense and the Redskins football team - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 5-27-16

The Washington Post conducts a flawed survey resulting in a misleading conclusion that most native peoples don't consider Redskins to be an offensive term

Ch. 2: The toxic mix of racist representation and misogynistic disregard for women - Let's Talk Native... with John Kane - Air Date 2-14-19

Racist representation of native peoples in sports and culture supports the anti-native sentiment that drives the MMIWG epidemic

Ch. 3: A Native perspective for museums - Native America Calling - Air Date 4-9-19

Native peoples have had their stories told form them by white people for centuries, working in museums and cultural centers create the opportunities to tell their own stories

Ch. 4: Spirit Animal Native Appropriation - #PoliticallyReactive with @wkamaubell and @harikondabolu - Air Date 5-18-17

W Kamau Bell and Hari Kondabolu step in a pile of native cultural appropriation and then slowly, messily wade their way out of it

Ch. 5: Hawaiian Indigeneity and the theft of Aloha with W. Gerry Ebalaroza - Breakdances With Wolves - Air Date 8-21-18

Discussing cultural appropriation in many forms including the legal trademarking of one of the terms most central to native Hawaiian culture, Aloha

Ch. 6: 'Reel' Indians and the invention of Hollywood Indian English - Backstory - Air Date 11-22-14

A history lesson on the Hollywood creation of all of the stereotypes we reflexively think of when we think about how native peoples speak

Ch. 7: On Native American Loss and Triumph - On the Media - Air Date 10-5-18

David Treuer discusses the means by which Indians have been fighting for social and political change for centuries.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Changed my mind in favor of impeachment - Nick from California


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on the Canadian TV show “First Contact” and what it teaches us about how people do and don’t change their mind


EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

NativeAppropriations.com

Native American imagery is all around us, while the people are often forgotten (National Geographic)

The Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women Epidemic Is Inseparable From Native Appropriation(Bustle)

‘It’s called a genocide’: Gavin Newsom apologizes to California’s Native Americans (San Francisco Chronicle)


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Turning to You - Landsman Duets
  • Vibrant Canopy - Origami
  • Homegrown - The Pine Barrens
  • Wingspan - Bayou Birds
  • Interlude - The Nocturne
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1283_Native_Peoples_Representation_Air_Date_6-21-19_-_11-26-19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:04am EDT

Air Date: 4–16-2019
Today we take a look at just a few of the aspects of modern life for Native Peoples that we can see as stemming from the racism and colonialism that has been endemic in post-contact America.
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: American Indians Confront “Savage Anxieties” - Moyers and Company - Air Date 12-26-14

Bill speaks with Robert A. Williams Jr., a professor specializing in American Indian law, about how deals such as the one with Rio Tinto are a part of American Indian’s tragic history of dispossession.

Ch. 2: What we inherit: Explaining intergenerational trauma - Code Switch - Air Date 6-6-18

The story of one family's struggle to end a toxic cycle of inter-generational trauma from forced assimilation. Getting back to their Native Alaskan cultural traditions is key.

Ch. 3: Sexual Violence and Native American Genocide - @Making_Contact - Air Date 11-26-13

Andrea Smith, author of “Conquest: Sexual Violence and Native American Genocide” explains the connection between violence against women, and the colonization of native lands and bodies.

Ch. 4: The legal structures that uphold violence against Indigenous people #MMIW - Let's Talk Native... with John Kane - Air Date 2-14-19

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women is a major issue because of racism. Acquittals for murdering Native people occur because of racism. Racism is systemic, historic and the norm in the US and Canada.

Ch. 5: End the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Crisis: Tell Congress to Pass #SavannasAct, #SURVIVEAct & Reauthorize #VAWA

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.

Ch. 6: Jenni Monet on Indigenous Journalism - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 1-24-19

Corporate media’s lack of interest in indigenous issues, and their ahistorical, distorted view of them when they do cover them, are long overdue for a change.

Ch. 7: Beyond Tragedy: The living history of Native America - Ideas from CBC Radio - Air Date 2-20-19

This idea of history as tragedy is something that Ojibwe writer David Treuer tries to undo in The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee. He argues that Indigenous peoples have always found ways to adapt, and that's exactly what they're doing now.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Disagreeing on arguments against a female presidential candidate - Stacy from San Francisco Bay Area


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments sharing some voices of Native people giving their perspective on the burning of Notre Dame cathedral


TAKE ACTION!

Tell Congress to Pass/Reauthorize:

Learn more at MontanaMMIW.com & on Twitter: #MMIW #MMIWG

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

A missing sweater tells the story of missing Indigenous women (Indian Country Today)

Savanna's Act is Back (Splinter)

States weigh bills addressing Native deaths, disappearances (AP)

House Passes Bill Protecting Domestic Abuse Victims; GOP Split Over Gun Restrictions (NPR)

Montana Senate Betrays Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (Splinter)

Tester reintroduces “Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment” Act (KRTV)

Lisa Murkowski Revives Bill Targeting Missing And Murdered Native Women (Huffington Post)

Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Gullwing Sailor - Migration
  • Cicle Veroni - Cicle Kadde
  • Cloud Line - K4
  • Slow Lane Lover - Barstool
  • This fickle world - Theo Bard
  • Minutes - Pacha Faro
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

Episode Image: Slowking4 via commons.wikimedia.org

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1265_Native_Peoples_Modern_Life_Air_Date_4-16-19_-_11-26-19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:03am EDT

Air Date: 2–26-2019

Today we take a look at the process of systematic, government-sponsored genocide against the native peoples of North America that kicked off the wealth-accumulating, territory-expanding American empire we know and love today

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz on digging deeper to understand America's past - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 6-16-16

Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz describes the process of coming to understand that there is an alternate history of the United States and explains how she tried to convey that new understanding in her book "An Indigenous People's History of the United States."

Ch. 2: American expansion and violence against Native Americans - @BackStory - Air Date: 01-19-2018

Ed talks with historian Benjamin Madley about the devastating impact of the Gold Rush on California’s native tribes – and how both government officials and everyday citizens justified enslaving and killing native peoples.

Ch. 3: The moral narratives of colonization as relates to the Western Frontier and Israel - Citations Needed (@CitationsPod) - Air Date 8-22-17

We explore how the media discusses the issue of BDS and the broader topic of Palestinian liberation with guest Steven Salaita.

Ch. 4: Understanding the origins of scalp hunting and "redskins" - Empire Files - Air Date 11-25-15

Abby Martin interviews Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, renowned indigenous scholar and activist, about her most recent book "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States."

Ch. 5: Paul Frymer on the building of an American empire - The Dig from @jacobinmag - Air Date 1-30-18

We are living on land from which indigenous people, over hundreds of years, have been violently removed. Almost everyone knows this — yet it’s rarely mentioned in stories that Americans tell themselves about who we are as a country and how we got here.

Ch. 6: America's Distribution of Violence - @Intercepted w: @JeremyScahill - Air Date 2-14-18

Jeremy Scahill talks with Nikhil Singh, professor of social and cultural analysis and history at New York University, about his new book "Race and America’s Long War.”


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Life as a charter school contractor - TJ from Scottsdale

Ch. 8: Reaction to candidate spotlight episode - Conner from Worcester, MA


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments explaining the shortcomings of the Candidate Spotlight episode and how it was made

BONUS CLIP: Senator Kamala Harris live in the studio - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 1-24-19


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Turning to You - Landsman Duets
  • A Burst of Light - Delray
  • The Spinnet - Castle Danger
  • Derailed - The Depot
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1252_Native.Imperialism_Air_Date_2-26-19_-_11-26-19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:02am EDT

Air Date: 11–27-2018
Today we take a look at the literal and figurative bloody messes of the history of Thanksgiving and the identities of native peoples
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: A Code Switch Thanksgiving Feast - Code Switch - Air Date 11-21-17

Exploring the conflicting narratives of American Thanksgiving.

Ch. 2: Historian Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz on Thanksgiving: "It Has Never Been About Honoring Native Americans" - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 11-29-16

We speak with indigenous historian and activist Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. She is the author of "An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States" and co-author of "All the Real Indians Died Off: And 20 Other Myths About Native Americans."

Ch. 3: The stolen sisters Part 1 - In the Thick - Air Date 9-18-18

Maria and Julio speak about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement with Annita Lucchesi, a Southern Cheyenne cartographer who has built the largest database of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

Ch. 4: Indigenous DNA - Science for the People - Air Date 1-5-17

Kim TallBear, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples Technoscience, on her book "Native American DNA: Tribal Belonging and the False Promise of Genetic Science."

Ch. 5: The stolen sisters Part 2 - In the Thick - Air Date 9-18-18

Maria and Julio speak about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement with Annita Lucchesi, a Southern Cheyenne cartographer who has built the largest database of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

Ch. 6: It's not just about the blood - Code Switch - Air Date 2-6-18

If you're Native American, who or what gets to define your identity? We dive into an old system intended to measure the amount of "Indian blood" a person has.

Ch. 7: Native Americans React to Elizabeth Warren's DNA Test: Stop Making Native People "Political Fodder" - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 10-18-18

Native Americans across the country are criticizing Senator Elizabeth Warren’s decision to use a DNA test to assert her Native American heritage. We host a roundtable discussion of Native American activists and journalists to respond.

Ch. 8: Indigenous historian Nick Estes discusses the trivializing of native people - @Intercepted w @JeremyScahill - Air Date 10-23-18

Indigenous historian Nick Estes discusses the ongoing attacks on native people, voter disenfranchisement, the Red Power movement and the latest on the fight against major oil and gas pipelines.

 

VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: The dangers of over-secrecy - Abdul from DC

Ch. 10: Final comments on #StandWithMashpee

 

TAKE ACTION!

Tell your members of Congress to support the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation Reaffirmation Act (H.R. 5244 / S. 2628)

Learn more and find out how to support the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe 

Share the tribe’s video on social media

Amplify the #StandwithMashpee hashtag

EDUCATE YOURSELF

The true story of the first Thanksgiving and what it meant (Opinion | Boston Globe)

Mashpee Wampanoag Confront 'Loss Of Self-Governance' After Interior Department Reversal (WBUR, Here & Now)

This Thanksgiving, The Trump Administration Is Taking Land From The Tribe That Welcomed The Pilgrims (Huffington Post)

Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 

 

MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • On Early Light - Cholate
  • Eventual Victory - Codebreaker
  • Astrisx - Bodytonic
  • Beast on the Soil - Desert Orchard
  • Cases to Rest - Bodytonic
  • Nuthatch - Feathers
  • The Cast and Favor - Bayou Birds
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1230_Native_People_Thanksgiving_Air_Date_11-27-18_-_11-26-19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:01am EDT

Air Date: 10–5-2018
Today we take a look at the rarely-told, real legacy of Christopher Columbus and some of the reverberations from his actions that can still be felt to this day
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Indigenous Peoples Day - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-23-16

The origin stories we tell ourselves and the importance of understanding that the words we use change the way we think.

Ch. 2: The Truth of Jesuit-Catholic Christopher Columbus - The Canary Effect (Documentary)

The documentary film, The Canary Effect, follows the terrifying and horrific abuses instilled upon the Indigenous people of North America and details the genocidal practices of the US government and its continuing effects on present-day Indian country.

Ch. 3: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE- New York’s Battleground Races! - Best of the Left Activism

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.

Ch. 4: Columbus Day - Why are we Celebrating? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 10-13-09

Thom Hartmann, reading a portion of his book "The last hours of ancient sunlight" about some of the atrocities of Christopher Columbus

Ch. 5: Indigenous Peoples Day VS Columbus Day - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-04-17

Los Angeles just changed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day, here's why everyone else should also. Hosted by NerdAlert's Kim Horcher.

Ch. 6: Reframing Columbus Day - Pod Save the People - Air Date 10-10-17

A discussion to reframe and understand the debate over Columbus Day

Ch. 7: Christopher Columbus Was A Demon by Hari Kondabolu - Totally Biased - Air Date: 10-12-12

Hari Kondabolu discusses his hatred of the demon Christopher Columbus.

Ch. 8: Discussing how to move beyond Columbus Day - In the Thick - Air Date 10-9-17

Maria Hinojosa and Julio Ricardo Varela lead a conversation about the change away from Columbus Day with Mitch O’Farrell, council member of LA’s 13th district, and Chrissie Castro, vice chairwoman of the Los Angeles Native American Indian Commission.

 

VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: We need an election day holiday - Nate from Vacaville, CA

Ch. 10: Final comments on the Powerline series from Outside/In

 

THE MIDTERMS MINUTE 

REGISTER TO VOTE: RocktheVote.org/register-to-vote/

CONFIRM VOTER REGISTRATION: RocktheVote.org/resources/am-i-registered-to-vote/

CHECK VOTING DATES & POLICIES: RocktheVote.org/voting-information/

VOTER ID INFO/HELP: VoteRiders & 866ourvote.org

Get Involved/Resources: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE H.Q.

NEW YORK BATTLEGROUNDS: 

New York Democratic Party

NY Important Dates: Register, have your application postmarked, or have made an in-person request by October 12th. Absentee ballot options and deadlines are complex, visit elections.ny.gov website for that information.

U.S. HOUSE

NY-11: Max Rose

Swing Left NY-11 | Red to Blue NY-11

NY-19: Antonio Delgado

Swing Left NY-19 | Red to Blue NY-19

NY-22: Anthony Brindisi

Swing Left NY-22 | Red to Blue NY-22

NY-27: Nate McMurry

Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 

 

MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 

Lakal - Speakeasy
Gondola Blue - Towboat
A Burst of Light - Delray
The Provisions - K4
Gullwing Sailor - Migration
One Little Triumph - Piano Mover
Festering - Towboat

Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent

Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1216_Columbus_Day_Air_Date_10-5-18_-_11-26-21_02.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Sponsored: Today we feature a full episode of Brave New Words focusing on one of the most pressing issues for Americans: access to medicine and the fight against Big Pharma. 

Brave New Words is a new, limited series podcast about the power of changing the narrative of the political arguments we have, using those new narratives to drive major progressive wins around the world and create real change.

Search for Brave New Words wherever you get your podcasts or find the show at BraveNewWordsPod.com

 

Additional Praise for Brave New Words:

Jee Kim, Executive Director, Narrative Initiative

“Anat has the unique ability to take thorny challenges and offer concrete ways to address them. She makes narrative change accessible and compelling.”

 

Celinda Lake, Democratic pollster and strategist

“As a veteran of issue and electoral campaigns for progressive causes and candidates, I can think of no better person to walk us through the words that have won us critical victories than Anat. The lessons and the unparalleled strategic insights she draws apply to persuasive communication across a range of issues."

 

Ian Haney López, author Merge Left and Dog Whistle Politics

"Messaging is an art and a science. Few combine these as brilliantly as Anat Shenker-Osorio. Her captivating podcast is a master class in how to tell the truth that can set us free."

 

Heather McGhee, Former President of Demos

"Shanker-Osorio’s message advice is the best around. She understands not just what words test well but what stories will move people into action, and has become the secret weapon of winning progressive campaigns worldwide."

 

Michael Podhorzer, Senior Advisor to the President, AFLCIO; Founder of the Analyst Institute

"Anat consistently uncovers messages that both persuade and help mobilize working people. The insights offered in these episodes are critical for anyone who works in progressive politics or just has an interest in making this country more just, prosperous and democratic."

 

Dorian Warren, President of Community Change

“To win a better world we need better stories and more support for change. Anat is a warrior for both – her tools are data, passion, wisdom and an indomitable commitment to listening to and learning first from those most left behind on this planet.”


Air Date: 11/23/2019

Today we take a look at just a few forms the decolonization movement is taking from finance to cartography to the internet and beyond. 

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

EPISODE SPONSORS:  Clean Choice Energy

SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content)


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Decolonizing Wealth Through Indigenous Leadership - @theLFshow w @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 7-25-18

Laura speaks to Edgar Villanueva, about being one of the very few indigenous people working in grant-making, and ask what he thinks Native American traditions have to teach philanthropy. His latest book is "Decolonizing Wealth"

Ch. 2: Decolonizing philanthropy - Native America Calling - Air Date 12-13-18

Edgar Villanueva, author of “Decolonizing Wealth,” questions the wisdom of accepting funds from philanthropic endeavors built by corporate giants whose business is in direct conflict with Native sovereignty and sustainability.

Ch. 3: Decolonize the Internet - Tiny Spark - Air Date 3-8-19

The internet is very white male-biased, it's important to find and prop up all other voices.

Ch. 4: Decolonizing Maps - Native America Calling - Air Date 8-28-19

Indigenous Map making is a greatly different experience from what western colonialism forces people to use. Maps can tell a story, and engage with people.

Ch. 5: Decolonization Is For Everyone with Nikki Sanchez - TEDx Talks - Air Date 3-12-19

Nikki Sanchez shares her vision of a world where we listen and care and stop dehumanizing people.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 6: Hoping to save a life - James from Sacramento, CA

Ch. 7: Wealth tax for the children - Chris from San Diego


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 8: Final comments on the tragedy of wealth and the difference between aggregation and curation

Limerick of the day from @Limericking


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Lakal - Speakeasy
  • Inessential - Bayou Birds
  • Weathervane - CloudCover
  • Contrarian - Sketchbook
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

SHOW IMAGE

dignidadrebelde | Flickr | License | Changes: Added credit

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1321_Native_Decolonization_Air_Date_11-23-19_-_11-23-19_18.11.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Air Date: 11/20/2019

Today we take a look at how Neoliberalism was born, how it was maintained and why it is on the verge of collapse. 

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy

SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content)


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: How NeoLiberalism Happened with George Monbiot Part 1 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 10-8-19

Nick and his guests discuss the history, the cultural and economic impact of neoliberalism.

Ch. 2: Too Hot For School with Jane McAlevey - On the Media - Air Date 9-20-19

The climate protests and collective action of today mirror the same crises and protests of the FDR era.

Ch. 3: How NeoLiberalism Happened with George Monbiot Part 2 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 10-8-19

Nick and his guests discuss the history, the cultural and economic impact of neoliberalism.

Ch. 4: How whiteness distorts our democracy, with Eddie Glaude Jr. - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 4-4-19

Glaude is the chair of Princeton University’s department of African American studies, the president of the American Academy of Religion, and the author of the powerful book Democracy in Black.

Ch. 5: How NeoLiberalism Happened with Binyamin Appelbaum - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 10-8-19

Nick and his guests discuss the history, the cultural and economic impact of neoliberalism.

Ch. 6: We Are Trapped In The Moral Logic Of Neoliberalism with Adam Kotsko Part 1 - This Is Hell - Air Date 10-2-18

Chuck and Adam discuss neoliberal policy, culture and systems that keep us in massive inequality and divided from each other.

Ch. 7: David Kotz: The Rise and Fall of Neoliberal Capitalism - Union for Radical Political Economics - Air Date 6-19-16

Talk on how Neoliberalism will come to an end

Ch. 8: We Are Trapped In The Moral Logic Of Neoliberalism with Adam Kotsko Part 2 - This Is Hell - Air Date 10-2-18

Chuck and Adam discuss neoliberal policy, culture and systems that keep us in massive inequality and divided from each other.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: SAD Solidarity - Jesse from Boston

Ch. 10: I feel it too - Erin from Philadelphia

Ch. 11: Sunshine policy - Alan from Connecticut

Ch. 12: Take a walk! - Linda from New Jersey


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 13: Final comments on emotional vomiting


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Chilvat - Lillehammer
  • Open Flames - Aeronaut
  • The Envelope - Aeronaut
  • Wingspan - Bayou Birds
  • Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut
  • The Wooden Platform - The Bulwark
  • Stale Case - Darby
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1320_End_of_Neoliberalism_Air_Date_11-19-19_-_11-20-19_21.29.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Air Date: 11/15/2019

Today we take a look at the proposals from Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders for a Wealth Tax and how those proposals run afoul of not just Republican Fats Cats but Democratic Fat Cats as well

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

EPISODE SPONSORS: Bombas.com/BEST  |  Forecast Fest Podcast (Wherever you get your podcasts)  Clean Choice Energy

SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content)

*No Topics Poll this week, but we just want to say THANK YOU to all of our Patrons, both old and new! This show is simply not possible without your support! We're incredibly grateful.*


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: A Wealth Tax For American Progress - Jim Hightower - Air Date 10-24-19

The rich are different from us, but their psyches are fragile.

Ch. 2: Wealth Tax with Michael Linden - Off-Kilter with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 10-4-19

Rebecca and Michael discuss how a wealth tax would be a great start to reducing inequality and building a thriving economy,

Ch. 3: Bernies Wealth Tax Causing Existential Dread At Fox - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 9-28-19

Sam discusses the media propping up billionaires as the oppressed in light of Bernie's plan for a wealth tax.

Ch. 4: Elizabeth Warren Has Democrats Shaking - The Young Turks - Air Date 10-10-19

Cenk, Hasan and Brett discuss Elizabeth Warrens plans to make corporations accountable to the American public.

Ch. 5: Warren, Sanders and Big Donors with Jeet Heer - Start Making Sense - Air Date 10-30-19

Jeet and Bob discuss Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.

Ch. 6: Are Democratic Donors Really Looking Elsewhere with Zach Montellaro - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 10-24-19

Brian chats with Zack about the top 2020 candidates and who big donors are supporting.

Ch. 7: Winners Take All with Anand Giridharadas - Strange Days with Fernand Amandi - Air Date 9-26-19

Fernand and Anand discuss the role of corporate billionaire philanthropy in maintaining power structures.

Ch. 8: Wall Street Democrats Show Their True Colors - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 10-1-19

RJ discusses the difference between Warren and Bernie, but Wall Street hates them all the same.


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on seasonal depression


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Banjo - Grey River
  • Turning to You - Landsman Duets
  • Swapping Tubes - Studio J
  • Curio - Vacant Distillery
  • The Rampart - Castle Danger
  • Line Etching - Marble Run
  • Peacoat - Studio J
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1319_Democrats_and_Plutocrats_Air_Date_11-15-19_-_11-15-19_20.10.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Air Date: 11/12/2019

Today we take a look at some of the ways that conservative policies, willed into existence almost exclusively by white people, measurably hurt people and shorten life expectancies, including those who most fervently support the self-destructive policies.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: How Racial Resentment Is Killing White Working Class Americans | Opinions | NowThis - Air Date 5-4-19

‘People are voting for these policies that are shortening their own life spans.’ — Author of 'Dying of Whiteness' Jonathan Metzl argues that the politics of racial resentment is killing Americans in the heartland.

Ch. 2: Slavery and the Lack of Universal Healthcare - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 8-20-19

Jeneen Interlandi, New York Times editorial board member and staff writer for the New York Times Magazine, talks about the intersection of race and lack of universal healthcare in America.

Ch. 3: An Incredible Con - Slate Presents: The Queen - Air Date 5-20-19

For presidential candidate Ronald Reagan, Linda Taylor epitomized the brokenness of the federal bureaucracy and the broader trend of poor people getting rich off the public dime.

Ch. 4: Dying of Whiteness with Jonathan Metzl - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 3-26-19

Jonathan Metzl writes that the policies promising to Make America Great Again, policies rooted in centering and maintaining the power of whiteness, are shortening the lives of the white Americans who vote for them.

Ch. 5: Greater than Fear - Brave New Words - Air Date 9-6-19

In 2018, progressives in Minnesota won across races, defining what it means to be “Minnesotan” through an aspirational narrative of multi-racial populism.

Ch. 6: Dying of Whiteness A Conversation with Scholar Jonathan Metzl - Speak Out with Tim Wise - Air Date 4-2-19

Tim speaks with Dr. Jonathan Metzl, a professor of sociology and psychiatry at Vanderbilt University, and the author of the new book, Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment is Killing America’s Heartland.

Ch. 7: People seeking asylum - Brave New Words - Air Date 9-6-19

Over the last few years, facing a conservative and openly xenophobic administration, human rights advocates mounted and won four campaigns challenging offshore detention of people seeking asylum.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: What was I thinking back then, gosh what am I thinking now? - Alan from Connecticut

Ch. 9: Pre-recorded bullshit ads - Dave from Olympia, WA


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on learning to be wrong and the sad future of podcasting


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Derailed - The Depot
  • Astrisx - Bodytonic
  • Quaver - Codebreaker
  • These Times - The Pine Barrens
  • The Summit - K2
  • Take a Tiny Train - Ray Catcher
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1318_Racism_Kills_Whites_Air_Date_11-12-19_-_11-12-19_19.29.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm EDT

Air Date: 11/16/2018

Today we take a look at the system of patriarchy from the perspective of how it negatively impacts men in our culture, thereby demonstrating the need for feminism to advocate for all those negatively impacted by patriarchy, regardless of gender

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: What Is the Patriarchy? | Feminist Fridays - @marinashutup - Air Date 11-02-14

An overview of patriarchy with a focus on how it hurts everyone, not just women.

Ch. 2: Fight Club and Toxic Masculinity - Folding Ideas - Air Date 8-22-15

Justin Baldoni wants to start a dialogue with men about redefining masculinity - to figure out ways to be not just good men but good humans. In a warm, personal talk, he shares his effort to reconcile who he is with who the world tells him a man should be.

Ch. 3: Justin Baldoni: Why I'm done trying to be "man enough" - @TEDTalks - Air Date 12-4-17

Justin Baldoni wants to start a dialogue with men about redefining masculinity - to figure out ways to be not just good men but good humans. In a warm, personal talk, he shares his effort to reconcile who he is with who the world tells him a man should be.

Ch. 4: Do Videogame Stereotypes Hurt Men? - PBS Game:Show - Air Date 08-2-13

Games continue the cultural narrative of big and strong men, "manning up" and being the hero. As you play, you kill hundreds or thousands of other men, without regard for the emotional toll on one's psyche.

Ch. 5: What Men Do With Their Pain - On The Media - Air Date 5-4-18

Michael Kimmel, a scholar of masculinities studies at Stony Brook University, on the source of this shared frustration — which he calls "aggrieved entitlement" — and about the steps forward for a society that still misunderstands so much about gender.

Ch. 6: Tony Porter: A call to men - @TEDTalks - Air Date 12-10-10

Tony Porter makes a call to men everywhere: Don't "act like a man." Telling powerful stories from his own life, he shows how this mentality, drummed into so many men and boys, can lead men to disrespect, mistreat and abuse women and each other.

 

VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Thoughts on privacy and violence - Erica from Illinois

 

Ch. 8: Final comments om where feminism went wrong and why we need to fight for everyone hurt by the patriarchy, regardless of gender

 

THE POST-MIDTERMS MINUTE ('cause they aren't over...)

Help Stacy Abrams in Georgia Gov Recount

Help Bill Nelson in Florida Sen Recount

Help Andrew Gillum in Florida Gov Recount

Mississippi Sen. Run Off Nov. 27th: Help Mike Espy Win! 

Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 

 

MUSIC:

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Great Great Lengths - The Balloonist (Blue Dot Sessions)
  • That Horse Ithica - Sketchbook (Blue Dot Sessions)
  • Homegrown - The Pine Barrens (Blue Dot Sessions)
  • When We Set Out - Arc and Crecent (Blue Dot Sessions)
  • Cicle Veroni - Cicle Kadde (Blue Dot Sessions)
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!


Air Date: 11/5/2019

Today we take a look at the many protests ongoing around the world with a very strong through-line of demands to reverse austerity, lessen inequality, and improve public services, all hallmarks of neoliberal economic policies

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

EPISODE SPONSORS: Madison-Reed.com (Promo Code: LEFT  |  Forecast Fest Podcast (Wherever you get your podcasts) | Clean Choice Energy

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MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content!)


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: International Protests - Democracy Now - Air Date 10-9-19 through 10-30-19

A summary of the international protests as of October 30 2019

Ch. 2: October Uprisings in Chile with Pablo Abufom - Jacobin Radio with Suzi Weisman - Air Date 10-30-19

Suzi talks with Pablo Abufom about the uprising in Chile and the conditions that led to the protests.

Ch. 3: Things Are Popping Off All Over The World - The Majority Report with Michael Brooks - Air Date 10-21-19

Michael discusses the Global Protests and the anti-austerity energy behind them.

Ch. 4: Protestors Run Over By Chilean Government - The Young Turks - Air Date 10-23-19

The Young Turks discuss neoliberal austerity measures and the media's misrepresentation of the issues involved in reporting Chile.

Ch. 5: Chile Rises Up with Bree Busk - This Is Hell - Air Date 10-30-19

Church and Bree discuss the feminist movement, the problematic media, capitalism and hope for Chile.

Ch. 6: Chile, Chicago and Lebanon Fight Neoliberalism with Artesia Balthrop - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 10-22-19

Michael and Artesia discuss the global mess that is imperialist neoliberalism and the protestors who resist.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Health care needs to go far beyond insurance - Trey from Corvallis

Ch. 8: I'd join if I weren't giving all my money to the Bernie Sanders campaign - Chris from San Diego


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on health, health care and assholism


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Stale Case - Darby
  • Gullwing Sailor - Migration
  • The Rampart - Castle Danger
  • Minutes - Pacha Faro
  • When We Set Out - Arc and Crecent
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

SHOW IMAGE

Carlos Figueroa, Wikimedia Commons / License / Changes: Cropped vertically and horizontally

Photo Description: Protests in Chile 2019, Plaza Baquedano, Santiago, Chile

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1317_International_Protests_Air_Date_11-5-19_-_11-5-19_19.16.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Air Date: 11/1/2019

Today we take a look at how the debate over our health care system has been framed and how we should frame it.

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

EPISODE SPONSORS: BetterHelp.com/BOTL  |  Forecast Fest Podcast (Wherever you get your podcasts)  |  Clean Choice Energy

SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

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VOTE IN THE WEEKLY SHOW TOPICS POLL


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Ex-Health Insurance Exec Industry Is Using Decades-Old Scare Tactics to Fight Medicare for All - Democracy Now - Air Date 8-2-19

We speak with Janet Golden, professor emerita at Rutgers University-Camden and a historian of U.S. medicine

Ch. 2: Best arguments for Medicare for All - The Young Turks - Air Date 4-30-19

The fundamental moral underpinning for why we need a Medicare for All system

Ch. 3: 3rd Democratic Debate Medicare for All as the Bogeyman? - The Real News - Air Date 9-13-19

We take a closer look how candidates discussed the healthcare issue. Our panelists are Osita Nwanevu, Helena Olea, and Jacqueline Luqman, with Greg Wilpert as host.

Ch. 4: Matt Bruenig’s case for single-payer health care - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 8-12-19

Matt Bruenig, the founder of the People’s Policy Project, is firmly in support of true single-payer. No compromise, no chaser.

Ch. 5: Democrats Talk Healthcare - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-16-19

Dem Debate: "Disingenuous" Attacks on Medicare for All Distract from Cost of Today's Broken System

Ch. 6: Pass #MedicareforAll Resolutions in Your Communities to Build the National Movement via @PublicCitizen Medicare4AllResolutions.org - Best of the Left Activism

Join the campaign to pass local resolutions demanding Medicare for All!

Ch. 7: Healthcare: America Taken Hostage - Progressive Faith Sermons - Air Date 10-21-19

We need candidates for president to stop lying and start having compassion regarding our health care system.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Critiquing Johann Hari - Dave from Olympia, WA

Ch. 9: Challenge pledge - Todd from Utah


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on Johann Hari’s story and Todd’s Patron challenge

Ch. 11: Limerick of the Day from @Limericking


TAKE ACTION!

Pass a local #MedicareforAll Resolution in your town or city! 

Take Action in Your Town

Tools for Activists

Watch the Week of Action Town Hall with Reps. Pressley and Omar

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

Nationwide Campaign Urges Cities and Towns to Pass Resolutions Supporting Medicare for All (Common Dreams)

Massachusetts Unions Vote to Vet Presidential Candidates on Medicare for All, Breaking with Labor's Top Brass (The Intercept)

Elizabeth Warren’s plan to pay for Medicare-for-all, explained (Vox)

Ady Barkan: Elizabeth Warren’s Plan Is a Massive Win for the Medicare for All Movement (The Intercept)

Bernie Sanders’s Medicare-for-all plan, explained (Vox) 

Two Leading Economists Say Medicare for All Would Give Workers 'Biggest Take-Home Pay Raise in a Generation'(Common Dreams)

Researchers Detail How Slashing Pentagon Budget Could Pay for Medicare for All While Creating Progressive Foreign Policy Americans Want (Common Dreams)

Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle
  • Vengeful - Warmbody
  • Glass Runner - Marble Run
  • On Our Own Again - The Pine Barrens
  • Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

SHOW IMAGE: 

Senate Democrats, Flickr / License / Changes: Cropped vertically and horizontally, enhanced brightness, contrast, and saturation

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1316_Health_Care_Messaging_Air_Date_11-1-19_-_11-1-19_22.24.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT