Fri, 29 December 2023
Original Air Date 12/17/2022 Today, we take a look at the fringe philosophy of accelerationism that is having a bigger impact on society than you will likely have realized as it's been behind some of the worst terror attacks in recent years and is likely behind attacks on infrastructure targeting society as a whole. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: The Dystopian Philosophy You've Never Heard Of - Philion - Air Date 6-26-22 Explaining the origins of Accelerationism Matt Kriner is an intelligence analyst with almost a decade of experience researching and analyzing US domestic violent extremists, transnational far-right extremism, and radicalization. Ch. 3: “It only takes a few” - White Hot Hate - Air Date 11-28-21 Some members of The Base are planning deadly attacks that they hope will spark a race war. Will they be stopped, before it's too late? Ch. 4: Proud Boys, January 6, and When a U-Haul Is a Clown Car - Angry Planet - Air Date 6-17-22 So, it’s time to look again at what this group — and related groups — did on January 6, and just how dangerous they really are. We’ll also talk about accelerationism, what it is and what accelerationists want. Rachel Maddow looks at a mysterious gun attack on electricity infrastructure in North Carolina and how it lines up with a past attack in California in 2013 and a DOJ case this year against white supremacists in Ohio. Accelerationism is a doctrine of revolutionary violence that holds that society is irreparably broken and must be destroyed. In recent years it has caught on among a variety of disparate movements throughout the world. Ch. 7: The seductive dangers of speed - RSA Podcasts - Air Date 7-5-17 The accelerating pace of political and economic change can be disorienting – but, for some, change isn’t happening fast enough. Matthew Taylor is joined by the journalist Andy Beckett and philosophers Benjamin Noys and Nina Power MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 8: Why We’re All Rooting for the Apocalypse - Wisecrack - Air Date 4-8-22 The apocalypse has never been more omnipresent in the cultural zeitgeist. But why are we all so convinced that the world is going to end, and do we have a moral obligation to prevent this gnarly fate? FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments giving some helpful advice to White supremacists looking to start a race war MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: A young white man dressed in a black hoodie with the hood over his hat is looking away from the camera while wearing a black mask with the image of the lower half of a skull on it. A lit torch is next to him in the foreground. A lit structure and a crowd of people are visible in the background. Credit: “Face of the streets” by spoilt.exile, Flickr | License CC by 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Direct download: 1532_Accelerationism_Air_Date_12-17-22_General_Rerun_-_12-26-23_11.05.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:28am EDT |
Tue, 26 December 2023
Original Air Date 12/24/2022 We compare the far-right religious extremists who are fighting to gain power in the US with the protests against the theocratic regime in Iran supporting women's rights in the country. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: How a new Christian right is changing US politics - BBC News - Air Date 11-28-22 A new battle of faith is being driven by some pastors and politicians in the United States. Their central message is that the country's conservative Christian way of life is under threat, and American society is moving in the wrong direction. "Iranians voted multiple times for over two decades for some process of reform … but the state has not given in to those demands," she says. "What we're seeing now is the result." Tahmasebi is the director of FEMENA Ch. 3: The Taliban’s Far-Right Fan Base - VICE - Air Date 10-18-21 In chat rooms and message boards on the darker corners of the web - far-right groups have been praising the Taliban’s takeover, lauding their religious fundamentalism, execution of opponents, and hatred of so-called liberalism. "Today's movement is not calling for reform. Today's movement is calling for a new vision of politics … with women at the helm of it," says Narges Bajoghli, professor of anthropology and Middle East studies at Johns Hopkins University Far Right, Anti-Democratic Extremist groups are not slowing down. Some even have connections with ‘mainstream’ Republican politicians. Peter Montgomery joins Thom Hartmann to discuss the threat the far right still poses. Sam and Emma host Nahid Siamdoust, Assistant Professor of Middle East and Media Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, to discuss the recent political protests in Iran. Rachel Maddow shares some of the fringe perspectives of the racist, Christian fascist who Donald Trump hosted for dinner at Mar-a-Lago MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Joseph Kennedy, a football coach, pressured his students to pray with him. He was asked not pressure students into religion during Public School activities. but he refused. Rachel Laser joined Thom to discuss the case and the pressure on students. “Because the conservative majority has tossed away all pretense of being anything other than, essentially, a high council of Fox News viewers, they decided her case should be heard before the Supreme Court,” says Chris Hayes FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on why Christian Nationalists would be better off not installing a dictatorship MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Direct download: 1533_Christian_Nationalism_Air_Date_12-14-22_General_Rerun_-_12-26-23_10.28.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:39am EDT |
Sat, 23 December 2023
Air Date 12/23/2023 The housing crisis is at a worse point than at any time in recent history. Solutions are available and require political will to bring into reality but because the problem is now so widespread, we may actually be able to take action that would have been untenable before. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com WINTER SALE! 20% Off Memberships (including Gifts) in December! Related Episodes: #1496 Home Is Where The Hardship Is #1565 Co-Housing Builds Community and Fights Loneliness OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: ExpressVPN.com/BestOfTheLeft GET INTERNET PRIVACY WITH EXPRESS VPN! BestOfTheLeft.com/Libro SUPPORT INDIE BOOKSHOPS, GET YOUR AUDIOBOOK FROM LIBRO! BestOfTheLeft.com/Bookshop BotL BOOKSTORE BestOfTheLeft.com/Store BotL MERCHANDISE! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Housing is a Moral Issue w Shaun Donovan - Future Hindsight - Air Date 12-7-23 Shaun Donovan is the CEO and President of Enterprise Community Partners. We discuss how the deeply entrenched housing crisis has become worse in recent years and the multiple strategies to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging. On this week’s show, Fanta — a reporter for WNYC’s Radio Rookies — speaks with residents, organizers and officials as she tries to find out what this program means for families like hers. Ch. 3: Biden In Trouble With Voters Over Inequality And Housing - The Majority Report - Air Date 11-28-23 President Joe Biden’s approval ratings surrounding the economy are not good! What, if anything, can Biden and the Democrat do to improve on those poll numbers (maybe…run on something? Anything?) Ch. 4: Housing is a Moral Issue w Shaun Donovan Part 2 - Future Hindsight - Air Date 12-7-23 Ch. 6: Why The US Is Failing At Housing And How To Fix It - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-9-23 Rachel Cohen describes how the US housing crisis came to be and how it can be solved. Ch. 7: Housing is a Moral Issue w Shaun Donovan Part 3 - Future Hindsight - Air Date 12-7-23 Is Paris more gentrified than New York? Gentrification is the process where beloved cities & towns price out residents with rents ‘too damn high’ to pay & failing infrastructure. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 10: How to build beautiful social housing in a crisis - Channel 4 News - 9-7-23 The architect Peter Barber has been winning awards for turning tiny patches of land into innovative estates and houses, designed not just to be beautiful – but to foster a sense of community too. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on why North America Can't Build Nice Apartments Bonus: Why North America Can't Build Nice Apartments (because of one rule) MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Credit: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development archive, License: Public Domain
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Direct download: 1600_Housing_Air_Date_12-23-23_General_-_12-23-23_18.32.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:52pm EDT |
Wed, 20 December 2023
Air Date 12/20/2023 AI needs to be regulated by governments even though politicians don't understand computers just as the government regulates the manufacture and operation of aircraft even though your average politician doesn't know their ass from an aileron. That's why expert advisory panels are for. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com WINTER SALE! 20% Off Memberships (including Gifts) in December! Related Episodes: #1547 Shaping the Future of the Internet #1578 A.I. is a big tech airplane with a 10% chance of crashing, should society fly it? OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: ExpressVPN.com/BestOfTheLeft GET INTERNET PRIVACY WITH EXPRESS VPN! BestOfTheLeft.com/Libro SUPPORT INDIE BOOKSHOPS, GET YOUR AUDIOBOOK FROM LIBRO! BestOfTheLeft.com/Bookshop BotL BOOKSTORE BestOfTheLeft.com/Store BotL MERCHANDISE! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: How are governments approaching AI regulation - In Focus by The Hindu - Air Date 11-16-23 Dr Matti Pohjonen speaks to us about the concerns revolving around AI governance, and if there are any fundamental principles that an AI regulatory regime needs to address. Ch. 2: A First Step Toward AI Regulation with Tom Wheeler - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 11-2-23 President Biden released a sweeping executive order that addresses many risks of artificial intelligence. Tom Wheeler, former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, shares his insights on the order and what's next for AI regulation. We host a roundtable discussion with three experts in artificial intelligence on growing concerns over the technology’s potential dangers: Yoshua Bengio, Max Tegmark, and Tawana Petty. European Union member states and lawmakers reached a preliminary agreement on what they touted as the world's first comprehensive AI legislation on Friday. Ch. 5: EU vs. AI - Today, Explained - Air Date 12-18-23 The EU has advanced first-of-its-kind AI regulation. The Verge’s Jess Weatherbed tells us whether it will make a difference, and Columbia University’s Anu Bradford explains the Brussels effect. Ch. 7: How to Keep AI Under Control | Max Tegmark - TEDTalks - Air Date 11-2-23 Scientist Max Tegmark describes an optimistic vision for how we can keep AI under control and ensure it's working for us, not the other way around. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Giant tech firms are meeting secretly to deregulate Artificial Intelligence technologies in the most undemocratic ways possible. Can profit really take over and corrupt progress? Ch. 9: How are governments approaching AI regulation Part 2 - In Focus by The Hindu - Air Date 11-16-23 FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on the need to understand the benefits and downsides of new technology MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Direct download: 1599_Regulating_AI_Air_Date_12-20-23_General_-_12-20-23_14.50.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:19pm EDT |
Fri, 15 December 2023
Air Date: 12-15-23 REFERENCES: Can Rituals Fix Our Soulless Corporate Culture? A Ritual Designer Says Yes THE INSIDE STORY OF MICROSOFT’S PARTNERSHIP WITH OPENAI The Way We Talk About Self-Driving Cars Is Going To Get People Killed Self-Driving Cars Won’t Save Us Anytime Soon
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Direct download: Bonus_Show_283_Sample_-_12-15-23_21.24.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:29pm EDT |
Tue, 12 December 2023
Air Date 12/12/2023 Henry Kissinger, it turns out, was actually a pretty good representative of the United States, the foreign policy actions we took, and the reasonings we gave for them over the past century. He embodied the idea that the US is always on the side of right, the world and its inhabitants are merely a game board and pieces for us to manipulate for our own ends, and that lives, particularly foreign lives, lost in pursuit of our interests are not of much concern. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com WINTER SALE! 20% Off Memberships (including Gifts) in December! OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: ExpressVPN.com/BestOfTheLeft GET INTERNET PRIVACY WITH EXPRESS VPN! BestOfTheLeft.com/Libro SUPPORT INDIE BOOKSHOPS, GET YOUR AUDIOBOOK FROM LIBRO! BestOfTheLeft.com/Bookshop BotL BOOKSTORE BestOfTheLeft.com/Store BotL MERCHANDISE! SHOW NOTES Henry Kissinger, America’s most consequential and controversial Secretary of State, died Wednesday at the age of 100. He reached the peak of his power in the 1970s and remained highly influential until the very end. reports. Ch. 2: Henry Kissinger's Huge but Deeply Problematic Legacy - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 11-30-23 Henry Kissinger has died at 100 years old. Fred Kaplan, Slate's War Stories columnist and the author of many books, including The Bomb: Presidents, Generals, and the Secret History of Nuclear War examines the diplomat's impact on U.S. foreign policy Ch. 3: Kissinger: An Architect of Genocide - The Majority Report - Air Date 12-5-23 Tim Shorrock then gives his initial reflections on Kissinger’s passing and the myriad lies he told for the ends of US primacy. Shorrock and Emma trace Kissinger’s bloody footprints from Vietnam and East Timor to Argentina Ch. 4: Henry Kissinger and the Moral Bankruptcy of U.S. Elites - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-30-23 Henry Kissinger is dead at the age of 100. The former U.S. statesman served as national security adviser and secretary of state at the height of the Cold War and wielded influence over U.S. foreign policy for decades afterward. Former U.S. secretary of state and national security adviser Henry Kissinger has died at the age of 100. He leaves behind a legacy of American statecraft that brought war and mass atrocities to Southeast Asia, South Asia and South America Ch. 6: The world Henry Kissinger built - The Take (Al Jazeera English) - Air Date 12-1-23 Henry Kissinger was a giant of our world order for half a century. The former US secretary of state died at the age of 100 on Wednesday. He left a mark on every region – often not for the better of those left in the wake of his controversial policies. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 7: Henry Kissinger's Reactionary Idealism - Against the Grain - Air Date 10-11-17 Historian Greg Grandin reflects on the ideology and practice of Henry Kissinger. Ch. 8: Amb. Martin Indyk Pens Kissinger Book - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 11-12-21 Former envoy to Israel, Martin Indyk, is out with a new book that details Henry Kissinger’s legacy in the Middle East. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments on our year-end membership drive MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE Description: A photo of the profile of an elderly Henry Kissinger with a solemn expression. His hair is white and he wears glasses and a dark suit. Credit: "Dr. Henry Kissinger listens..." by U.S. Secretary of State, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Horizontal crop
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Direct download: 1598_Kissinger_Air_Date_12-12-23_General_-_12-12-23_20.44.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:57pm EDT |
Mon, 11 December 2023
WINTER SALE! 20% Off Memberships (including Gifts) in December! Original Air Dates 12-3-23 and 12-10-23 We discuss in episode #281: - the impacts of a stratified wealth disparity REFERENCES: Behind the Gates of a Private World for Only the Wealthiest New Yorkers Hungry (but Not for Human Contact), Americans Head for the Drive-Through Let’s unpack the hospital fantasy
We discuss in episode #282: - the relationship between religion and AI REFERENCES: Uploading your consciousness will never work, a neuroscientist explains Uploading Our Consciousness To a Computer. But Should We? In a future of mind uploading, will you still be you, and who will own your mind? This Ancient Ritual Is Key to How I Run a Company of 500 People. Harvard Research Shows Why. Everything You Need to Enjoy One Tech-Free Day a Week
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Direct download: Bonus_Show_281-282_Sample_-_12-11-23_17.09.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:29pm EDT |
Fri, 8 December 2023
Air Date 12/8/2023 Neoliberalism has created a lot of economic suffering and insecurity in addition to weakened social ties over the past few decades. And now, in what may be the most devastating result of the ideology yet, neoliberalism may be leading much of the world toward fascism bolstered by legitimate grievances about economic precarity which are coopted by the false promises of right-wing populism. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com WINTER SALE! 20% Off Memberships (including Gifts) in December! Related Episodes: #1491 Mismanaging Capitalism Can Lead to Fascism (Inflation and the Working Class) #1519 International Fascist Movement on the Move OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: BestOfTheLeft.com/Libro SUPPORT INDIE BOOKSHOPS, GET YOUR AUDIOBOOK FROM LIBRO! BestOfTheLeft.com/Store BotL MERCHANDISE! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Far-right extremism on the rise around the globe - The ReidOut with Joy Reid - Air Day 11-28-23 A troubling sign of the rise of far-right extremists being elected around the world, as anti-Islamic populist Geert Wilders is newly elected in the Netherlands. Populism is rather a specific form of discontent. Discontent is the umbrella term. It's this vague sense that the way things are being done is not working. That democracy is not effective. Far-right libertarian Javier Milei has been elected president of Argentina. Franco Metaza, the director of international relations for the Argentine Senate, joins to discuss. Ch. 5: Media Coverage of the Trump Movement is Missing Vital Context - On the Media - Air Date 11-29-23 Jeff Sharlet, author of The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War, argues that Trump's narratives of martyrdom, a persecuted in-group, a mysterious out-group, and a rhetoric of violence are all hallmarks of fascism. Ultra-conservative former federal Judge Michael Luttig warns: 'American democracy [is] on a knife's edge...in greater peril today than it's ever been in American history. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on preparing for the 2024 election SHOW IMAGE: Description: A photo triptych of Donald Trump, Geert Wilders president-elect of The Netherlands, and Javier Milei president-elect of Argentina. Trump is smiling and looking toward Wilders and Milei. Credits: “Trump at CPAC” by Kingofthedead, Wikimedia Commons; License: CC BY SA 2.0; Changes: Cropped | “Geert Wilders during a political campaign” by Peter van der Sluijs, Wikimedia Commons; License: CC BY SA 2.0; Changes: Cropped | “Javier Milei in VIVA22” by Vox España, Wikimedia Commons; License: Public Domain; Changes: Cropped
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Direct download: 1597_Creeping_Fascism_Air_Date_12-08-23_General_-_12-8-23_09.11.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:29pm EDT |
Tue, 5 December 2023
Air Date 12/5/2023 It's important to focus on positive visions and not only get stuck in doom cycles of complaining about what's going wrong. So, we're looking at a variety of positive visions including rethinking human nature, reimagining our relationship with consumerism, considering how design can work with nature instead of against it, and understanding why cooperation is better than individualistic competition from an evolutionary point of view. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: ExpressVPN.com/BestOfTheLeft GET INTERNET PRIVACY WITH EXPRESS VPN! BestOfTheLeft.com/Libro SUPPORT INDIE BOOKSHOPS, GET YOUR AUDIOBOOK FROM LIBRO! BestOfTheLeft.com/Bookshop BotL BOOKSTORE BestOfTheLeft.com/Store BotL MERCHANDISE! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: What We Get Wrong About Human Nature - Andrewism - Air Date 1-11-23 What does it mean to be human? Join me as I explore the many interpretations of human nature across various philosophies and delve into the true breadth of human possibilities. North Americans are sick, stressed, and alienated, a state of affairs accentuated in recent years by Covid. Gabor Maté argues that capitalism engenders illness, while the medical system blindly ignores the lives of its patients. Ch. 3: Imagining a Solarpunk Education - Human Restoration Project - Air Date 5-11-23 Do we have the willingness to challenge the predominant social, economic, & political structures & systems that need to be challenged? To change the very nature of humanity's relationship to the planet? What role does education play in all of this? Time and again, guests on this season of Rethinking Humanitarianism have called for systemic changes to the humanitarian system and global governance – from alternatives to the UN to revolutionized global climate financing. Ch. 5: Elon Musk Has Become the Very Thing He Hates Most - The New Abnormal - Air Date 11-20-23 A conversation with award-winning author Nnedi Okorafor about her transformational Africanfuturism and the importance of inclusive visions of science fiction. In this Our Changing Climate climate change video essay, I look at ways in which we can build a Solarpunk future right now. Solarpunk envisions a world in which nature and humanity are seamlessly intertwined Ch. 7: The Race to Cooperation - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 2-2-23 David Sloan Wilson's work shows that humans can and have chosen values like cooperation, altruism and group success – versus individual competition and selfishness MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 8: The Race to Cooperation - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 2-2-23 VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: Geoengineering concerns - Bud from Idaho FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments clarifying some details about using Solar Radiation Management as a geoengineering strategy MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Direct download: 1596_Positive_Visions_Air_Date_12-05-23_General_-_12-5-23_17.57.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:57pm EDT |
Fri, 1 December 2023
Original Air Date: 10/8/2022 Today, we take a look at the recent elections in Italy, Brazil and Sweden where far-right parties are either taking power or looking to maintain it as well as the parallels to our own politics including moderate conservatives helping to legitimize the far-right while delegitimizing elections. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: ExpressVPN.com/BestOfTheLeft GET INTERNET PRIVACY WITH EXPRESS VPN! BestOfTheLeft.com/Libro SUPPORT INDIE BOOKSHOPS, GET YOUR AUDIOBOOK FROM LIBRO! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Fascist Brothers of Italy Party takes power in Italy - The Mehdi Hassan Show - Air Date 10-2-22 Why the American right wing is racing to embrace Italy's next prime minister. Ch. 2: Italian Fascism w/ David Broder - Jacobin Show - Air Date 9-30-22 Our own European editor David Broder explains what Giorgia Meloni and the Brothers of Italy's victory means for Italy. Why the American right wing is racing to embrace Italy's next prime minister. Ch. 4: Fascism scores another victory with Italian election - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 9-26-22 Conservatives in the US have been courting the extreme right on and off all along Ch. 5: The Stakes Are High - In The Thick - Air Date 10-4-22 "The candidates and their vision for Brazil’s future could not be more different, but the trends underpinning this election are an echo of global experiences,” reports Roberta S. Braga for the ISPI. Noam Chomsky joins us from Brazil with Vijay Prashad just back from Brazil to discuss Sunday’s Brazilian election between Brazil’s far right president Jair Bolsonaro and former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Ch. 7: Brazil Votes For Democracy While SCOTUS Does Not - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 9-4-22 Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman discuss the ramifications of the Brazilian election for president, as Bolsonaro loses by 5 points and is priming the country to reject the second round election later this month. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 8: Rise of the Swedish far right w/ David Broder - Jacobin Show - Air Date 9-30-22 Jonas Pontusson joins us to unpack the strong electoral showing of the Swedish far right. Ch. 9: Fascism scores another victory with Italian election - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 9-26-22 A history lesson on the rise and fall of fascism in Europe and what it says about the path we're all on today. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on the big problem with small misunderstandings TAKE ACTION! MIDTERMS MINUTE 2022 - Installment #2: Today’s focus is on toss-up Senate races in GA, NV, PA, and WI, and Senate races (precariously) leaning Democrat or Republican: GET FULL DETAILS AND ACTION LINKS Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: Photo from 2014. Far-right Italian politician (and newly elected Prime Minister) Giorgia Meloni stands in front of a backdrop with the Italian tricolor flame, a symbol of the neo-fascist political party in Italy. She is a white woman with straight blond hair. She is wearing a leather jacket and smiling with her arms crossed. Credit: “Giorgia Melone 2014” by Jose Antonio, Wikimedia Commons | License: CC Attribution 4.0 International | Changes: Black vignette
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Direct download: 1519_International_Fascism_Air_Date_10-8-22_General_Throwback_-_12-1-23_18.25.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:43pm EDT |
Wed, 29 November 2023
Air Date 11/29/2023 The movement for universal health care is still underway, though it rarely gets recognized in mainstream discourse. The death of Medicare For All (M4A) activist Ady Barkan is an occasion worth using to look at the progress being made to improve our system of promoting the health of all people in the United States as well as efforts to rein in the power of big Pharma that's used to gouge the American people with exorbitant prices. So, that's what we're doing. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES Healthcare activist Ady Barkan has died at the age of 39 of the neurodegenerative disease ALS. His story is told in the documentary Not Going Quietly. In 2021, Democracy Now! spoke with Ady Barkan just ahead of the film’s premiere. Ch. 2: Why your health insurance is tied to work - The Weeds - Air Date 10-18-23 The wartime policy that changed health insurance forever Ch. 3: Rethinking the path to winning single payer - Code WACK! - Air Date 4-10-23 Winning Medicare for All in the U.S. may be at a standstill at the federal level, but it's a different story In the states. In 2021 alone, 18 single-payer bills were introduced in states such as Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, and Oregon. If Medicare Advantage, the profit-driven entity that is decidedly NOT part of REAL Medicare, could be summed up in three words, they might be: deny, deny, deny. Peter Maybarduk joins us to discuss how the new negotiation process aims to break up drug monopolies and disband the pharmaceutical industry’s profit incentive. Interview with Dr. Stephen Bezruchka on how economic inequality connects to stress, health problems, and inadequate healthcare." Today's three integral guests (listed below) join the Laura Flanders Show to discuss the pharmaceutical industry and how to end Big Pharma companies' monopoly. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 8: The Challenge of Caring for Our Elders - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 11-15-23 Reed Abelson, New York Times reporter, talks about the financial challenges of caring for our elders since the United States does not have a comprehensive system to help pay for long-term care as the population ages. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments on more good news from the fight against climate change MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE Description: A photo of Ady Barkan wearing a “Be A Hero” shirt while sitting in his specialized wheelchair and smiling at someone off-camera. Credit: “Elizabeth Warren & Ady Barkan”, Elizabeth Warren, Flickr | License: CC By 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Direct download: 1595_Medicare_for_All_Air_Date_11-29-23_General_-_11-29-23_17.31.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:16pm EDT |
Sun, 26 November 2023
Air Date 11/26/2023 As the hottest year in 125,000 years or so begins to come to a close, we turn to two projects still in their infancy that have big plans to decarbonize our electricity generation on one hand and give us a bit more time to turn our climate futures around on the other. The first is a reinvigoration of the geothermal power industry with the hopes of scaling up globally and the second is geo-engineering which aims to reduce the solar radiation hitting the planet to reduce devastating climate impacts while the world finishes up the work of going carbon neutral. Both ideas are a little scary, either or both could be brilliant or disastrous. The two things that are clear to me are that failure in the face of climate chaos will definitely be disastrous and any ideas with a reasonable chance of helping deserve further study. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES Tune into this episode of Weathered to see where we’ve been in our race against the clock, where we’re going, and how the RCP scenarios can help us understand this story as well as our future on this planet. Ch. 2: Batteries are dirty. Geothermal power can help. - Vox - Air Date 11-1-22 Lithium-ion batteries are a transformative technology in the fight against climate change. Most notably, they power electric vehicles, which have the potential to replace emissions produced by road transportation. But there’s a problem. Deep beneath your feet is a molten ball of energy the same temperature as the surface of the sun -- an immense clean energy source that could power the world thousands of times over, says technologist and climate activist Jamie C. Beard. How do we tap it? Ch. 4: A Messy and Unhinged Introduction to Geoengineering - vlogbrothers - Air Date 10-4-23 Describing the most dangerous way to save the world Ch. 5: Smog Cloud Silver Lining - Radiolab - Air Date 9-22-23 Summer 2023 was a pretty scary one for the planet. Global temperatures in June and July reached record highs. And over in the North Atlantic Sea, the water temperature spiked to off-the-chart levels. Ch. 6: How to think about solar radiation management - Volts - Air Date 2-24-23 Even if greenhouse gas emissions halted entirely right now, we would continue to feel climate change effects for decades due to existing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere — and warming could accelerate FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 7: Final comments and interview with Mike Tidwell about the arguments for and against geo-engineering MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1594_Climate_Geo-_Air_Date_11-26-23_General_-_11-26-23_07.31.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:47am EDT |
Wed, 22 November 2023
Original Air Date 10-5-2022 Today, we take a look at the life and legacy of President Ronald Reagan, the last transformational U.S. president who's regime we are still living in. Between his neoliberal economics, anti-government ideology and white supremacist appeal to authoritarians, he did more to shape the last 40 years of the politics of the country and conservative movement than anyone else. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: 40 years later, is this the end of Reaganomics? - Make Me Smart - Air Date 12-14-21 It’s been just over 40 years since newly elected President Ronald Reagan declared, “In this present crisis, government is not the solution to the problem, government is the problem.” Ch. 2: The Democracy We Think We Live In - On the Media - Air Date 8-9-19 Adam Serwer [@AdamSerwer], staff writer at The Atlantic, on the catastrophic, deadly idea that "only white people are fit for self-government." General Motors admits what we all know, after receiving a massive tax cut, the auto maker is laying off thousands of American employees and closing it's plants. Prof. Joseph McCartin and former PATCO spokesperson Elliot Simons discuss the anniversary of the firing and Ronald Reagan's betrayal Ch. 5: When American Presidents Go to Trial - On the Media - Air Date 9-9-22 Rick Perlstein [@rickperlstein], a journalist and author of The Invisible Bridge: The Fall of Nixon and the Rise of Reagan, explains the continuing impact of Gerald Ford's decision to pardon Richard Nixon for his crimes. We scrutinize Reagan's famous quote "the nine most terrifying words in the English language are ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help’” in today's episode. Where and when was it coined? What is its broader meaning? Ch. 7: How Ronald Reagan's Regime Led To The Jan 6th Capitol Riot - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-17-21 The Capitol insurrection on January 6th was a long time coming. Back in 1980, Ronald Reagan's campaign was laying the groundwork for what would become Donald Trump's platform. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 8: America’s Right Turn with Rick Perlstein - Why Is This Happening? - Air Date 9-1-20 How did America’s modern conservative movement come to power? Historian and author Rick Perlstein’s prolific work has traced the arc of modern electoral politics, and specifically has laid out how modern conservatism arose. Ch. 9: Why the "Reagan Regime" Endures - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 3-7-22 Presidencies are rarely transformational, and neither Biden nor Trump have lived up to their supporters’ dreams. So what does it take to really change our politics? Host Kai Wright is joined by political theorist Corey Robin to confront that question. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on my first debate about Reagan MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: A large portrait of former American President Ronald Reagan in a dark suit and red tie is framed on a wall in a dim, museum-like room. His smiling face is softly lit with a spotlight. Credit: “President Ronald Re[a]gan” by LunchboxLarry, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Slightly cropped Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1518_Reagan_Bad_Air_Date_10-5-22_General_-_11-22-23_17.20.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:35pm EDT |
Fri, 17 November 2023
Air Date: 11-17-23 REFERENCES: Whoever staves lease wins - Vulture How to Use AI to Talk to Whales—and Save Life on Earth - Wired
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Direct download: Bonus_Show_280_Sample_-_11-17-23_08.07.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am EDT |
Tue, 14 November 2023
Air Date 11/14/2023 The Supreme Court turned the table on average, working people back in the 70s when they empowered wealthy individuals and corporations to have an outsized role in our politics. Now we're trapped in the reality that shift in power created and are dreaming of a better way to manage our economic and political systems for the benefit of all people. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) Related Episodes: #1247 The Fight for the Four Freedoms (FDR vs. Libertarianism) SHOW NOTES If America is to recover any semblance of meaningful democracy in our country, we have to cut out the cancer of big money in our political system. We MUST overturn Citizens United. Ch. 2: How Things Work Congress's Revolving Door - Jim Hightower's Lowdown - Air Date 11-9-23 Hear it? What’s that sound? “Whoop-whoop-whoop.” Oooo, it’s Washington’s revolving door, allowing corporate interests to come directly inside Congress to pervert public policy. Ch. 3: Corporate Bullsh*t Legal Bullsh*t - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 11-11-23 Donald Cohen discusses the long history of corporate propaganda covering for corporate greed, and his new book Corporate Bullsh*t: Exposing the Lies and Half-Truths That Protect Profit, Power, and Wealth in America. Ch. 4: What Socialism Needs to Succeed - Economic Update - Air Date 10-32-23 This week's episode covers the crisis of today's left, the need to build upon and go beyond successful socialism of the 19th and 20th century, the state and micro focus on the workplace, and democratizing workplaces. Ch. 5: Redefining Wealth–with Aisha Nyandoro - OFF-KILTER - Air Date 11-2-23 As Aisha Nyandoro—CEO of Springboard to Opportunity and architect of the Magnolia Mother’s Trust—argues in her recent Tedx Talk, it’s time to redefine wealth in the United States. Ch. 6: Prof. Richard Wolff Why Not Democratize Big Auto Companies - The Zero Hour - Air Date 10-28-23 Prof Wolff joins Zero Hour with RJ Eskow to discuss the recent agreement between the Ford Motor Company and the United Auto Workers and how it relates to the larger issues of labor, capitalism, and democratizing workplaces. For this week’s episode, Rebecca sat down with Troy N. Miller, who’s long served as the Off-Kilter podcast’s beloved “man behind the curtain,” aka executive producer. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 8: How Media's Use of 'The Economy' Flattens Class Conflict - Citations Needed - Air Date 11-1-23 Kim Kelly joins to discuss the term "the economy," how and why metrics reflect interest of capital- GDP, the DOW - which are positioned as more important indicators of economic strength versus the needs of the average person. Ch. 9: Redefining Wealth–with Aisha Nyandoro Part 2 - OFF-KILTER - Air Date 11-2-23 FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on how a shifting baseline obscures the inequity of our economic system MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: A photo of a protest banner depicting a drawn human figure with its arms out standing on top of the symbol for dollars ($). The words “People Over Profits” are written across the middle. Credit: “World Bank/IMF demonstration [06]” by Ben Schumin, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1593_Economic_Visions_Air_Date_11-14-23_General_-_11-14-23_17.02.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:55pm EDT |
Fri, 10 November 2023
Air Date 11/10/2023 Violence and oppression are destructive and corrosive to both the victim and perpetrator and this goes a long way toward explaining many of the dynamics at play in the holy land between Israelis and Palestinians. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Why Hamas Attacked Israel - And What's Next For Gaza - AJ+ - Air Date 10-13-23 On October 7th, Hamas launched one of the deadliest attacks on Israel in years. But why? And what does this mean for the 2.3 million people trapped in Gaza, often called the largest open-air prison on Earth? Omer Bartov, an Israeli-American professor of Holocaust and genocide studies at Brown University, joins Mehdi to discuss Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. Bartov tells Mehdi, “I don’t think that what is happening there right now is genocide… Ch. 3: Shock Doctrine Israel with Naomi Klein - The Bitchuation Room - Air Date 10-31-23 Weaponizing trauma to inflict more trauma is Israel's forte. Naomi Klein, author of The Shock Doctrine, No Logo, and the new book Doppelganger, joins Francesca to discuss the all out assault on the people of Gaza in retaliation for Hamas' attack. Ch. 4: Antisemitism: An Evil, An Enemy Of Peace - Owen Jones - Air Date 10-31-23 Antisemitism is an evil in itself - it is the cause of terrible horrors over many centuries - and it is also a mortal enemy of peace in Palestine. Shane Burley on his writing at Waging Nonviolence on white nationalists manipulating the Gaza crisis. Plus 'Rotten History.' Ch. 6: Naomi Klein on 'Selective Information' About Israel and Gaza - Inside the Hive - Air Date 11-2-23 Host Brian Stelter joins Naomi Klein to discuss the challenges of understanding what’s happening on the ground in Israel and Gaza as an information war plays out alongside the carnage. The October 7th attack by Hamas and Israel's subsequent response has left the world in shock. To better understand the context behind this moment, Adam is joined by Nathan Thrall, one of the leading experts on the conflict in Gaza. Ta-Nehisi Coates joins us to discuss his journey to Palestine and Israel and learn about the connection between the struggle of African Americans and Palestinians. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: Beyond Settler-Colonialism - Against the Grain - Air Date - 10-31-23 Mahmood Mamdani, the acclaimed scholar of colonialism and anti-colonialism, reflects on the United States, Nazi Germany, South Africa, and Israel — settler-colonial societies built on internment and ethnic cleansing. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on an extraordinary case of looking the find the humanity in the inhumane attacks on Israel of October 7th MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: A black and white photo of a street protest in London. An older man holds a large handmade protest sign, which reads "Hamas targetting civilians = war crimes. Israel targetting civilians = war crimes." The greeting "Shalom" is written in Hebrew next to the greeting "Salam" written in Arabic. At the bottom, "End the occupation!" Credit: "No Excuses for War Crimes under any Pretext." by Alisdare Hickson, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped and slightly increased contrast
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Direct download: 1592_Israel_Air_Date_11-11-23_General_-_11-10-23_19.57.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:35pm EDT |
Mon, 6 November 2023
Air Date 11/6/2023 Media literacy is a basic requirement for understanding the war in Gaza, as propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation are being distributed for both ideological and financial reasons. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Breaking News Consumer's Handbook Israel-Gaza Edition - On the Media - Air Date 10-27-23 Discussing how to navigate your social media feed in the midst of the war in Gaza. Ch. 2: Hearts, minds, and likes - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-23-23 False information about what is happening in Israel and Gaza is taking over SM faster than journalists like BBC Verify’s Shayan Sardarizadeh can check it. Ch. 3: US Media, Washington Rush Head First into 9-11 2.0 - Citations Needed - Air Date 10-11-23 In this public News Brief, we discuss the recent escalation in violence in "the Middle East" and the quickly forming bipartisan consensus to jam the issue into a simplistic, dehumanizing War on Terror narrative Ch. 4: Fog of War The Media and the Israel–Palestine Conflict - Deconstructed - Air Date 10-13-23 Ryan Grim is joined by Intercept reporter Alice Speri, who has frequently reported from occupied Palestinian territory, and Palestinian American writer and political analyst Yousef Munayyer. Ch. 5: Hate Crimes, American Media & the 'Free Palestine' Movement - NowThisNews - Air Date 11-1-23 As attacks on Gaza continue, so do violent acts in the U.S., and this researcher is breaking down our media's narratives. Sherif Mansour of the Committee to Protect Journalists says it is one of the highest death tolls for journalists covering the conflict since 1992 and calls today it the "deadliest time for journalists in Gaza." Ch. 7: Breaking News Consumer's Handbook Israel-Gaza Edition Part 2 - On the Media - Air Date 10-27-23 The media lens—the points of view that they show us day after day, those they obscure or ridicule—affects the way we understand the world, our neighbors, and what’s politically possible. Guest Maya Schenwar, author and editor at large of Truthout. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: Gaza Siege and the Liberal Handwringing Industrial Complex - Citations Needed - Air Date 10-18-23 We break down the latest efforts by Democrats to support Israel's brutal bombing and collective punishment of Gaza while still looking "deeply concerned" about the logical outcomes of this bombing and collective punishment. We bring you the voices of Jewish Voice for Peace and their allies who shut down the main terminal of Grand Central Station during rush hour Friday in one of New York's largest acts of civil disobedience in 20 years to demand a ceasefire in Gaza. VOICEMAILS Ch. 11: The influence of calling Congress - Craig from Ohio FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on a case study in war media manipulation SHOW IMAGE: Description: Composite image of an illustrated hand holding a phone with "LIVE" and "BREAKING" on the screen, along with the much-maligned initial NY Times headline "Israel Strike Kills Hundreds in Hospital, Palestinians Say". A finger is pressing an invisible button at the bottom of the screen. Many "share" arrows point out away from the phone. Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman. News image credit: "Gaza" by Marcin Monko, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 DEED | Changes: Cropped
Direct download: 1591_Israel_Media_Air_Date_11-6-23_General_-_11-6-23_13.24.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:20pm EDT |
Wed, 1 November 2023
Original Air Date: 8/31/2022 Today, as the news of Trump's various trials continues to drop out, we take a look back at this episode covering the long and illustrious history of powerful people avoiding prosecution in the United States. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Why is right now the easiest time in modern history for the wealthy to get away with whatever they want? HuffPost reporter and fellow Seattleite Michael Hobbes join Zach in the studio for a deep dive into his most recent article about white-collar crime. Eight years after the deadly Flint water crisis began, the state’s Supreme Court has thrown out charges against former Governor Rick Snyder and eight other former officials for their complicity in the public health emergency. Obama's DOJ has requested that George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, and Paul Wolfowitz be granted immunity in a case that is alleging that they violated international law with the Iraq War... Ch. 4: Obama on Investigating Bush Crimes: "Need to Look Forward" - This Week - Air Date 1-11-09 Barack Obama on This Week, January 11, 2009 In 1992, when Bush Sr. was president, he pardoned several Iran-Contra defendants, including Caspar Weinberger, Robert McFarlane, and Elliott Abrams. We speak with Greg Grandin, prize-winning author, and professor of Latin American history at New York Univ. Ch. 6: Pardon Me - Reveal - Air Date 7-6-19 Presidential pardons grab the headlines each time Donald Trump grants clemency to a controversial person. We tell the untold story of a pardon system that is completely broken and a pardon attorney’s office that is being ignored by the White House. Ch. 7: Bryan Stevenson on the racial terrorism of lynching - Cape Up - Air Date 4-24-18 Bryan Stevenson wants us to confront our country’s racial terrorism and then say, ‘Never again’ Ch. 8: Justice Department Weighs Whether Or Not To Prosecute Trump - MSNBC - Air Date 8-29-22 New York Times Justice Department Reporter Katie Benner and former U.S. Attorney Harry Litman discuss how the inquiry into Trump’s handling of classified documents poses an unparalleled test for DOJ MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) "Restoring the Brotherhood of Union: Confederate Pardon and Amnesty Records, 1865-1877" Archives specialist John Deeben provides a brief legislative history of amnesty activity during and after the Civil War. Ch. 10: The power of presidential pardons - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 12-25-20 Pardons are among the most powerful tools a president has. While pardons can be politically motivated, drawing criticism, they can also change lives. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on the nature of pardons, accountability and hurt feelings MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: TBT_1510_Accountability_Air_Date_8-31-22_General_-_11-1-23_08.37.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:30am EDT |
Fri, 27 October 2023
Original Air Date: 8/16/2022 Today, we take a look at the strategies underway to systematically dismantle democracy in the United States including installing Big-Lie™ believers in elected and poll-working positions, preventing state-level Supreme Courts from holding GOP-dominated state legislators to the state constitutions, and wiping out tens of thousands of career civil servants from the federal government to be replaced by right-wing extremists. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Republicans Caught Planning MASSIVE Voter Fraud - David Pakman Show - Air Date 6-2-22 Republicans are caught planning massive voter fraud in a mindblowing new report from Politico Now, reporting by POLITICO details GOP efforts on the local level to challenge and potentially overturn elections. Rick Hasen, a law professor at the University of California, Irvine and the author of "Cheap Speech" joins William Brangham to discuss. Trump’s top allies are prepping a plan to purge the federal government. They want to remove thousands of key decision-makers and replace them with MAGA loyalists, all through an Executive Order called "Schedule F." Many of the possible 2024 Republican contenders have told Axios that they support the plan being put together by Trump's allies to purge career government workers and replace them with their own loyalists. Ch. 5: Fake Electors, Real Crimes and Much More - The Bradcast - Air Date 7-26-22 Explaining the plan to election 2020 election deniers into positions of power to influence the 2024 election. Across the country, dark money is pouring into Secretary of State races to promote election-denying candidates. This money is mostly untraceable, thanks to our absurd campaign finance laws. Carolyn Shapiro says a ruling in favor of North Carolina Republicans would be "extremely problematic from the perspective of democracy" and "could cause enormous chaos." Ch. 8: The Supreme Court Case That Could Upend U.S. Elections - All In w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 7-5-22 "I always counsel against assuming that any one court decision is going to dramatically change the landscape. But this case is different," says Marc Elias on the Supreme Court taking up a case on state legislatures' authority over elections. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: Fake Electors, Real Crimes and Much More Part 2 - The Bradcast - Air Date 7-26-22 Previously undisclosed emails between top associates and aides of Donald Trump expose how they coordinated their plot to present 'fake' electors in seven states to steal the 2020 election from the American people. TAKE ACTION: Become a Poll/Election Worker: How to Be A Poll Worker Where you Live (US Election Assistance Commission) WorkElections.org (Fair Elections Center) Defeat MAGA Secretaries of State in Midterms: Help People Get Voter IDs: MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: A voter crouches by a folding table, his head is obscured by the white voter privacy box decorated with an American flag on each side. Other tables and privacy boxes can be seen in the large building foyer. Glass entrance doors can be seen in the distance. Credit: “Election Day 2020” by Phil Roeder, Flickr | License: CC by 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: TBT_1507_Loyalists_Air_Date_8-16-22_Throwback_General_-_10-27-23_09.36.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:23am EDT |
Tue, 24 October 2023
Air Date 10/23/2023 The people who want to pull the country in directions that are only supported by a small minority of the population have to develop very intricate plans to have any hope of succeeding. This is the story of the latest plan to establish unchecked rule to implement unpopular policies supported only by the far right. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES Donald Trump has ramped up his violent rhetoric in recent weeks. Meanwhile, a Fox host has urged the U.S. towards civil war and claimed that voting does not work. Pat Buchanan was ahead of his time. He used the KKK’s David Duke to breed a new nativist religious nationalism, based on fear of liberalization. On this show, political science professor Joseph Lowndes sheds light on how the Republican Party got here Emma hosts John S. Huntington, professor of history at Houston Community College, to discuss his recent book Far-Right Vanguard: The Radical Roots of Modern Conservatism. Ch. 4: How Often Do YOU Think About the Roman Empire? - Wisecrack - Air Date 10-16-23 The real reason TikTok is crazy for ancient Rome If you’re even a little bit online, you know that the men love ancient Rome. This isn’t new: The civilization has loomed large in the Western imagination ever since its catastrophic collapse. Ch. 5: The Conservative Plan to Take Over the Country Part 1 - Leeja Miller - Air Date 9-26-23 Project 2025 is the terrifying plan set out by conservatives to take over the government. But it's radical, and it doesn't align with what most Americans want. Which is why we have to make sure this plan never happens. A Trump supporter just displayed exactly how stochastic terrorism works. Ch. 7: The Conservative Plan to Take Over the Country Part 2 - Leeja Miller - Air Date 9-26-23 MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 8: Think Tanks: How Fake Experts Shape the News - Tom Nicholas - Air Date 5-13-23 A video about how billionaire-funded right-wing “think tanks” such as the Heritage Foundation, Adam Smith Institute, Manhattan Institute, and Institute of Economic Affairs manipulate the news to spread their propaganda. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments discussing the Red Caesar movement and our strange allies opposing it MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: A white marble bust of Julius Caesar in armor and robes wears a red MAGA hat. Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman. Source images of bust and hat are copyright-free from Pixabay.
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1590_Red_Caesar_Air_Date_10-23-23_General_-_10-23-23_20.10.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm EDT |
Sat, 21 October 2023
Air Date: 10-21-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss: - the complainers at The Atlantic - why a mindful workforce is an oxymoron - the myriad problems with creeping on people - how Taylor Swift is going to solve anti-native racism
REFERENCES: The Microwave Makes No Sense - The Atlantic Real mindfulness would transform the economy - Vox Maybe think twice before making an innocent stranger go viral? - NPR The Very Common, Very Harmful Thing Well-Meaning Parents Do - The Atlantic The 7 Best Conspiracies About Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce - Wired Native Americans hope Taylor Swift can help get tomahawk chop banned from Chiefs games - USA Today
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Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Direct download: Bonus_Show_279_Sample_-_10-21-23_12.48.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:07pm EDT |
Tue, 17 October 2023
Air Date 10/17/2023 There is absolutely no understanding of the conflict in Israel and Gaza without deep context, history, and human psychology. Those who attempt to find moral clarity through simplification of the situation will only find themselves supporting atrocities by one side or the other and demonstrate themselves to be fools in the process. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Israel and Palestine A Difficult Discussion Part 1 - Gaslit Nation - Air Date 10-10-23 Andrea is joined by Terrell Starr, host of the Black Diplomats podcast, who recently visited the West Bank. Israel has declared war on Hamas after Hamas fighters launched a surprise coordinated attack over the militarized border, the largest in decades. Ch. 3: Phyllis Bennis on Gaza - CounterSpin - Air Date 10-13-23 “War is not the time for context” still seems to be the mantra for many in the US press. We’ll talk with Phyllis Bennis from the New Internationalism project at the Institute for Policy Studies. From Tel Aviv, we hear from award-winning Israeli journalist and author Gideon Levy, whose recent column for Haaretz is headlined “Israel Can’t Imprison Two Million Gazans Without Paying a Cruel Price.” Ebro in the Morning sits down with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to discuss the conflicts in the Israel-Hamas war, the role of the United States in the conflict, the conversation, and the next steps. Ch. 6: Israel and Palestine A Difficult Discussion Part 2 - Gaslit Nation - Air Date 10-10-23 We speak with journalist and Palestine News Director for Mondoweiss Yumna Patel from Bethlehem about the events of the past week As the humanitarian crisis worsens, we get an update from Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch, who says conditions in Gaza are dire. The unfolding crisis in Gaza, where relentless Israeli bombardment has killed more than 1,500 people since Saturday, is “a humanitarian catastrophe,” says Palestinian American human rights attorney Noura Erakat. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Palestinian National Initiative leader Mustafa Barghouti discusses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Russian invasion of Ukraine with CNN's Fareed Zakaria. VOICEMAILS Ch. 11: Calling Congress about the latest war - Andrew FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments with even more notes of nuance from the conflict MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: Photo. In the foreground, piles of broken concrete and twisted metal line a section of the coast of Gaza. The sea and tall buildings are visible in the distance. The sky is cloudy and ominous. Credit: "Gaza" by Marcin Monko, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 DEED | Changes: Tightly cropped
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Direct download: 1589_Israel_Hamas_Air_Date_10-17-23_General_-_10-17-23_19.06.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:19pm EDT |
Fri, 13 October 2023
Air Date 10/13/2023 Understanding the historical context of the civil war within the GOP as they have just fought their way out of being able to govern at all with an empty Speakership in the house that is grinding congress to a halt. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Shutshow - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-2-23 The US government is open for business at the cost of Ukraine aid. Semafor’s Jordan Weissmann explains how we got here. And White House communications director Ben LaBolt explains how the Biden administration is justifying the compromise. “It’s a crisis entirely of Kevin McCarthy’s own making,” says our guest Sasha Abramsky, the West Coast correspondent for The Nation. At a virtual town hall, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) spoke about the ouster of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from the Speaker role, which every Democratic lawmaker in the House voted for. Ch. 4: The House that Newt Built: The Rise of Matt Gaetz Part 1 - UNFTR - Air Date 10-7-23 Max struggles to understand exactly what Matt Gaetz is after, but has his suspicions. Regardless of the right-wing endgame, this week’s fiasco was made possible by Newt Gingrich in the 1990s. Ch. 5: Through the Gaetz of Hell - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 10-6-23 Brad begins with an analytical discussion of political nihilism in order to provide a window into the chaos in Congress created by the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Ch. 6: The House that Newt Built: The Rise of Matt Gaetz Part 2 - UNFTR - Air Date 10-7-23 MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 7: Why Our Politics Are Stuck In 2016 - FiveThirtyEight Politics - Air Date 9-25-23 In this installment of the FiveThirtyEight Politics podcast, Galen Druke speaks with American politics professor Lynn Vavreck to help make sense of how we got here. Ch. 8: Who Will Replace Kevin McCarthy - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 10-6-23 Since a faction of far-right Republicans ousted Kevin McCarthy as speaker, Luke Broadwater, congressional reporter for The New York Times, talks about the candidates vying to replace him. Ch. 9: It's Now Or Never For The GOP Candidates - FiveThirtyEight Politics - Air Date 9-28-23 The crew reacts to the second Republican presidential primary debate in this late-night podcast. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on what divides the parties from each other and from within MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: A caricature of former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy standing in front of the seal of the U.S. House of Representatives. Credit: “Kevin McCarthy - Caricature” by DonkeyHotey, Flickr | License: CC By 2.0 DEED | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1588_GOP_Fighting_Air_Date_10-13-23_General_-_10-13-23_17.13.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:26pm EDT |
Tue, 10 October 2023
Original Air Date: 2/22/2023 Today, we take a look at some of the work of the chaotic wrecking crew that is the GOP of the 118th Congress including their plan to hold the world economy hostage and weaponize the government against Democrats all while infighting their way to the 2024 presidential election. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES His dramatic victory came after a series of concessions that will give hardline conservatives greater influence in the House. Sarah Binder, a political scientist at George Washington University, joins John Yang to discuss. Ch. 2: GOP is playing with U.S. prosperity in fight over debt ceiling - MSNBC - Air Date 1-14-23 McCarthy and the House GOP are threatening to not raise the debt ceiling. That would be a huge mistake. Ali Velshi explains why. Senator Warren joined Jon Keller to discuss the debt ceiling which she called a "manufactured crisis" that Republicans don't care enough about, and that wealthy corporations need to pay more in taxes. Ch. 4: Joe: Debt ceiling fight is just a lose-lose for McCarthy - Morning Joe - Air Date 1-18-23 The Republican-controlled House has planted the seeds for a debt-ceiling showdown. The Morning Joe panel discusses. Ch. 5: Right-Wingers FINALLY Exposed For Crushing Plot In Real Time - The Damage Report - Air Date 2-12-23 Right-wingers, including Matt Gaetz, Lindsey Graham and Kevin McCarthy, get caught for their blatant lies over social security on camera while ABC Johnathan Karl runs cover. John Iadarola and Ben Carollo break it down on The Damage Report. Then, Republican infighting keeps going public, as even Fox News pans their hearings. Guests: Rep. Adam Schiff, Rep. Stacey Plaskett, Yurii Hundych, Alfie Williams, Gov. George Pataki The awaited GOP-led House hearings are now underway, and as predicted, they are not going well. Republicans intended a hearing on Twitter's content moderation policies to bolster their bogus claims of alleged federal government censorship of social media. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 10: Is America broken? - The Gray Area with Sean Illing - Air Date 2-2-23 Sean Illing speaks with Alana Newhouse, the editor-in-chief of Tablet magazine. They discuss her recent essay on "brokenism," a term she coined in an effort to redefine political divisions in America. MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Direct download: TBT_1545_GOP_Congress_Air_Date_2-22-23_General_-_10-10-23_19.41.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:51pm EDT |
Sat, 7 October 2023
Air Date 10/7/2023 Spanning the gamut of terrible policy choices and their impacts on children, we look today at the perverse reality at odds with conservatives' claim to be standing up for "family values" and saving children from the abuse of Democrats. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) Related Episodes: #1479 Torturing Children and Families in the Name of Protecting Them (Trans Rights) #1563 Putting Our Kids to Work for Corporate Profits SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: What "Parents' Rights" REALLY Means - Zoe Bee - Air Date 9-26-23 "Parents' Rights" has been a rallying cry for several political and social groups in the past few years. But what does it really mean? Let's find out. In 2021, as the economy reeled from the pandemic, a one-year expansion of the child tax credit led to a historic 46 percent decline in the child poverty rate. But new census data shows a dramatic reversal with the rate of children in poverty skyrocketing Ch. 3: Why Child Labor in America is Skyrocketing - Robert Reich - Air Date 5-16-23 Corporations are now using the “labor shortage” as an excuse to bring back child labor. It’s part of a horrifying trend: Since 2015, child labor violations have risen nearly 300%. Ch. 4: America First 2.0 & A Defense of Child Marriage - Head in the Office - Air Date 4-19-23 The boys highlight a slurry of bad news coming from states like Florida and Ohio, the Missouri GOP defends child marriage, a GOP presidential contender drops a 25 point plan for America First 2.0, many people might lose Medicaid Ch. 5: Having A Baby In America – SOME MORE NEWS - Air Date 9-27-23 Conservatives sure want Americans to have more children, but they don't seem to like children at all or want to support them in society! In today's episode, we look at the many challenges Americans face if they want to become parents Ch. 6: How Inequality Fuels Child Abuse - One in Ten - Air Date 9-5-23 How do we come alongside and stand with families in poverty who are struggling with child abuse and neglect? How do we examine our own policies and procedures to ensure that we’re being genuinely helpful and not just adding to families’ burdens? Sen. Cory Booker on the child poverty rate doubling after Republicans let the expanded child tax credit expire: “We have now proved something pretty phenomenal and at the same time, pretty obscene. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 8: Why It Sucks To Be Young - Andrewism - Air Date 2-3-21 We don't talk enough about how our society treats young people and children. Let's change that. Leaked videos and recordings uncovered by investigative watchdog Documented expose the Alliance Defending Freedom’s plot to wipe out public schools in America. Their goal is to take down the entire system of education FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on the article that inspired today's episode and more examples of abusing children through policy New MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1587_Children_Air_Date_10-7-23_General_-_10-6-23_19.53.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:04am EDT |
Tue, 3 October 2023
Air Date 10/3/2023 The Stop Cop City movement in Atlanta is the current tip of the spear of the police accountability movement but the instinct of elected officials to lean into building more and bigger policing facilities is likely to spread as part of the backlash to the backlash against police violence which calls for defunding and redistributing resources to programs that actually help people. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 2: The Struggle to Stop Cop City - On the Nose - Air Date 6-22-23 Joining to discuss Stop Cop City, Micah Herskind, a community organizer and writer; Keyanna Jones, a reverend and organizer; and Josie Duffy Rice, a writer who covers criminal justice. Ch. 3: Is America becoming Cop City - The Police Accountability Report - Air Date 4-10-23 We went on the ground in Atlanta, GA to find the truth behind the Cop City protests, the police shooting death of Manuel "Tortuguita" Tehran and the dark money funding the creation of the Atlanta Public Safety Center. Ch. 4: The Struggle to Stop Cop City Part 2 - On the Nose - Air Date 6-22-23 Joining to discuss Stop Cop City, Micah Herskind, a community organizer and writer; Keyanna Jones, a reverend and organizer; and Josie Duffy Rice, a writer who covers criminal justice. These new and unprecedented arrests are a clear attack on “the infrastructure of the movement,” says Kamau Franklin, founder of the organization Community Movement Builders and a vocal Cop City opponent. Ch. 6: Stop Cop City with Atlanta DSA - Revolutions Per Minute - Air Date 8-23-23 Tonight we’ll hear from Atlanta DSA member Gabriel Sanchez about the chapter's effort to stop Cop City through a ballot referendum and the terrifying tactics police, the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia have used to in order to crush opposition. "They are choosing to use the legal process in an essentially violent way to target protesters," says attorney Devin Franklin with the Southern Center for Human Rights, which is organizing legal representation for the defendants in the case. Ch. 8: Stop Cop City - Keyanna Jones - Air Date 9-17-23 Sam talks with Keyanna Michelle Jones, an organizer with Community Movement Builders. They discuss the ominous and illegitimate RICO indictments "Cop City" opponents face and the fascist assault on the right to protest there. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: Stop Cop City Part 2 - Keyanna Jones - Air Date 9-17-23 Ch. 10: Stop Cop City with Atlanta DSA Part 2 - Revolutions Per Minute - Air Date 8-23-23 FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments Final comments on understanding the movement cycle MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: Protesters walking in the street in NYC hold a large banner that says “Stop Cop City: NYC Supports Atlanta Forrest Defenders” with images of trees. Credit: “36 Stop Cop City” by Felton Davis, Flickr | License: CC BY 4.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1586_Cop_City_Air_Date_10-3-23_General_-_10-3-23_19.17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:17pm EDT |
Fri, 29 September 2023
Air Date: 9-29-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss: - The economics of witch trials - The creation of content for capital - Layers and layers of bullshit obscure reality - Post script: visit to the Salem museum
REFERENCES: How Social Turmoil Has Increased Witch Hunts throughout History - Scientific American To Be a Consumer of Culture Means Living in a Hostage Situation - Slate WE’VE LOST THE PLOT - The Atlantic Dance, I Said — Dance! And Leave the Package on the Porch. - NYTimes The Salem Witch Trials: Restoring Justice - Peabody Essex Museum; Salem, Mass
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Direct download: Bonus_Show_278_Sample_-_9-29-23_18.17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:44pm EDT |
Tue, 26 September 2023
Air Date 9/26/2023 Rays of hope for the worker's struggle against unfettered, exploitative capitalism are coming from multiple angles as strikes from creatives in Hollywood and autoworkers in Detroit are striking to demand wages, benefits, and protections while executives make arguments for why workers should be made to feel the threat of poverty to keep them in line. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) Related Episodes: #1463 People Are Waking Back Up To The Need For Labor Unions #1557 Tactics and Counter-Tactics of the Struggle for Labor Rights SHOW NOTES On day 1 of the UAW strike, CNN questioned CEO of General Motors Mary Barra over why she has seen a 34% increase in her pay while GM workers haven't. I break down how ridiculous her response here is. Ch. 2: Far-Right Anti-Science Conspiracies Are Literally Killing Us - The New Abnormal - Air Date 9-18-23 Dr. Peter Hotez joins The New Abnormal this week to discuss his new book, “The Deadly Rise of Anti-Science”—and why anti-vaccine conspiracies are so dangerous. Plus! An interview with labor reporter and author Kim Kelly about the UAW strike. Ch. 3: Sociopath Businessman Tells The Truth About Capitalism - Novara Media - Air Date 9-14-23 A CEO says the quiet part out loud about the inhuman fundamentals of capitalism In this public News Brief, we break down recent attempts by Politico, Axios, New York Times and faux populist Republicans to pit autoworkers against climate mandates. UC Santa Barbara labor historian Dr. NELSON LICHTENSTEIN explains the specific concerns of autoworker unions, how 2023's summer of unionization compares to prior waves of union organizing in the US and the political implications of unionization Harold Meyerson, editor-at-large at The American Prospect, discusses the recent decisions made at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Ch. 7: Workers Fighting Back: The UAW Goes on Strike! - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 9-19-23 Teddy Ostrow and Maximillian Alvarez from The Real News Network join Breht to discuss the recent "stand up" strike launched by the United Auto Workers labor union. Teddy and Max discuss the strike and explain the causes MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Every worker deserves a union — including strippers! Recently, strippers at the Star Garden in North Hollywood became the first strippers in decades to unionize. On this week’s Factually, Charlie and Lilith from Equity Strippers Noho join Adam The workers who power the biggest superhero movies on the planet voted unanimously to unionize with VFX-IATSE. This is a major first step for the industry, and Disney is next. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on Biden's visit to the picket line and the importance of how moral questions are framed MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1585_Labor_Strikes_Air_Date_9-26-23_General_-_9-26-23_18.22.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:35pm EDT |
Sun, 24 September 2023
Air Date 9/24/2023 Israel's politics have been upended by the return of Netanyahu as Prime Minister, put in office with the help of extremely far-right factions who have now pushed through reforms to the Israeli Supreme Court that fundamentally undermine their democracy. All this while they were already a farce of a democracy due to the maintenance of an apartheid-like system of differing rules applying to different residents based on ethnicity. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) Related Episodes: #1447 Settler Colonialist Structures Around the World #1542 Despair and violence in Israel's illiberal and exclusionary "democracy" SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: The U.S. should not reward Israel’s bad behavior - Velshi - Air Date 9-3-23 Israel’s internal politics has been upended, with indicted Prime Minister Netanyahu returning to office and, in a situation echoing American politics, trying to use his power and influence to remain in power to avoid prosecution. We speak with two Israeli journalists in Tel Aviv after lawmakers in Israel passed a highly contested bill Monday weakening the power of the Supreme Court by preventing it from blocking government decisions it deems unreasonable. Ch. 3: Protests in Israel: The Rights Further Consolidation of Power - Intercepted - Air Date 7-26-23 Jeremy Scahill and Murtaza Hussain are joined by Mairav Zonszein, an Israeli American journalist and a senior analyst on Israel-Palestine at the International Crisis Group. Ch. 4: Congress Melts Down Over Israel Again - Deconstructed - Air Date 7-21-23 The House overwhelmingly passed a resolution on Tuesday pledging "the United States will always be a staunch partner and supporter of Israel” and that Israel is “not a racist or apartheid state.” Guest Beth Miller The visits from Israeli leadership are an attempt to "normalize apartheid," says Palestinian human rights attorney Noura Erakat, who compares today's U.S. support of Israel to the nation's support for South African apartheid. We speak with journalist and author Antony Loewenstein about his new book, The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on the circular Supreme Court case sending Israel into a spiral of chaos MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: Israeli flags fly around a crowd of people standing on a sidewalk holding signs that say "Saving Israeli Democracy" and "Democracy for All" with a picture of Israeli Prime Minister Netenyahu behind bars. Credit: "Democracy for All" by Alisdare Hickson, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0) | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1584_Israel_Supreme_Court_Air_Date_9-24-23_General_-_9-24-23_17.04.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:14pm EDT |
Fri, 22 September 2023
Original Air Date: 8/8/2020 Today we take a look at the concept of defunding the police; what it means, what it doesn't and what the goals of the movement are. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Race, Police, & The Pandemic - FRONTLINE - Air Date 6-2-20 Jelani Cobb describes how the relationship between black Americans and the police has become a “barometer” for race relations in the country and that explosive tensions are “overwhelmingly” in response to an issue of police use of force. Ch. 2: Panel Discussion on Radical Police Reform - The Daily Show - Air Date 6-10-20 Trevor hosts a panel on movements to radically reimagine policing in the U.S. with Patrisse Cullors, Josie Duffy Rice, Sam Sinyangwe, Mychal Denzel Smith and Alex S. Vitale. Ch. 3: The Racial Justice Uprising in the U.S. is Taking Hold Overseas - The Takeaway - Air Date 6-8-20 Explaining that an overburdened police system that takes on way too much, including much that is outside the realm of their training, is something that no one should want. Ch. 4: The End of Policing with Alex Vitale - The Bastani Factor, Novara Media - Air Date 6-3-20 Aaron Bastani interviews author of ‘The End of Policing’, Alex Vitale, to ask just how bad law enforcement is in the United States, and what can be done about it. Ch. 5: Defunding the Police Is Only the Beginning - The Mother Jones Podcast - Air Date 6-17-20 Josie Duffy Rice joins Jamilah King for a discussion about the recent police killing of Rayshard Brookes in Atlanta, the deep racist and classist structural issues with policing in America, and why defunding the police is only step one. Ch. 6: Defund Police What It Means & How It Would Really Work - News Beat - Air Date 6-16-20 In the wake of the police slaying of George Floyd in Minneapolis, protesters have not only flooded the streets, but they're actively pushing reforms that go well beyond traditional solutions. Ch. 7: How to Defund the Police - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 6-11-20 Racism is baked into the U.S. model of policing. More and more people are starting to believe that no amount of "reform" will help; a full tear-down is required. But what does "defunding the police" actually mean? Ch. 8: Is It Time To Defund the Police? - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 6-11-20 Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors joins Mehdi Hasan to discuss the future of policing and community-oriented systems of public safety in the United States. Ch. 9: The Politics of "Defund the Police" - Politics with Amy Walter, The Takeaway - Air Date 6-12-20 Congress is reckoning with how to respond to the protests and calls for police accountability. Two national reporters join to discuss the Justice in Policing Act of 2020. Ch. 10: We Can't Let The Uprising Get Co-opted - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 6-10-20 Notes on the uprising and how we move forward without allowing the forces of neoliberalism to co-opt the movement. Amid a worldwide uprising against police brutality and racism, we discuss the historic moment with legendary scholar and activist Angela Davis. EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE The Movement for Black Lives Introduces the BREATHE Act (Colorlines) What Exactly Does It Mean to Defund the Police? (The Cut, NY Mag,) What Does It Mean to Invest in Black Communities? (The Nation) How to Defund the Police (The New Yorker) How to Make Defunding the Police a Reality (The Nation) Defunding the Police Will Actually Make Us Safer (ACLU) Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: TBT_1360_Redefine_Unburden_and_DefundThePolice_General_-_9-22-23_15.13.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:31pm EDT |
Mon, 18 September 2023
Air Date 9/18/2023 Exploring the captivating world of conspiracy theories! We are all wired to believe misinformation to some degree, but not all to the same degree. With help from Naomi Klein, and other experts, discover why people are drawn to conspiracies, the psychology behind belief and ideas about the best way to prevent conspiratorial thinking. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Why we are all attracted to conspiracy theories - The Guardian - Air Date 3-10-21 Belief in conspiracy theories is far more widespread than the stereotypes that dominate pop culture. When Naomi Klein discovered that a woman who shared her first name, but had radically different, harmful views, was getting chronically mistaken for her, it seemed too ridiculous to take seriously. Then suddenly it wasn't. Ch. 3: Why Do Conservatives Fall For Fake News? - Leeja Miller - Air Date 6-28-23 Why do conservatives fall for fake news? Is it just them, or are we all culpable? How did Americans become so susceptible to falling for disinformation? And what can we do about it?? Klein explains her initial motivation for the book was her own alter-ego, the author Naomi Wolf, for whom she has often been mistaken. Ch. 5: How Conspiracy Theories Capture the Mind - UChicago Institute of Politics - Air Date 4-8-22 Journalisms role in solving the spread of misinformation This past year, COVID-19 and the U.S. elections have provided fertile ground for conspiracy theories—with sometimes disastrous consequences. Karen Douglas, PhD discusses psychological research on how conspiracy theories start & why they persist. Ch. 8: Birds Aren’t Real? How a Conspiracy Takes Flight | Peter McIndoe - TEDTalks - Air Date 9-13-23 Peter McIndoe isn't a fan of birds. In fact, he has a theory about them that might shock you. Listen along to this eye-opening talk as it takes a turn and makes a larger point about conspiracies, truth and belonging in divisive times. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) MAGA supporters not only believe that Donald Trump is still president, but that he's in charge of the military. Like millions of Americans, Karen Robertson of Iuka, Mississippi believed in conspiracy theories. But one day she had an experience that convinced her to challenge her beliefs. She spoke about that moment with student reporter Makenna Mead FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on the importance of making connections while avoiding conspiratorial thinking MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1583_Conspiratorial_Thinking_Air_Date_9-18-23_General_-_9-18-23_18.48.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:49pm EDT |
Fri, 15 September 2023
Original Air Date: 6/15/2018 The high toll Puerto Rico is paying, in both money and lives, for the triple disasters of colonialism, Hurricane Maria and disaster capitalism Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 2: Colonialism during hurricane season - On the Media - 6-6-18 Ch. 5: Naomi Klein on Puerto Rico and Disaster Capitalism - Touré Show - Air Date 4-25-18 Ch. 9: Final comments on the lessons of Mister Rogers that we could use right now
TAKE ACTION Get involved with/support Mutual Aid Disaster Relief MARD Skillshare Trainings (Links for request forms are at the bottom of the blog post) Read more about MARD ongoing work in Puerto Rico FOR FURTHER READING/SHARING FEMA Blamed Delays In Puerto Rico On Maria; Agency Records Tell Another Story (NPR/Frontline) About a quarter of Puerto Rico’s schools are shutting down. Here’s a look inside one. (Vox) "Justice was served": Judge halts school closures in Puerto Rico (CBS) New bill pushes for commission to investigate federal response to Puerto Rico hurricanes (NBC) At Issue In Florida Senate Campaign: Who's Fighting For Puerto Rico? (NPR) Hurricane Maria Casts Shadow Over Puerto Rican Parade (NY Times) Puerto Rico's Push For Food Independence Intertwined With Statehood Debate (NPR) The Shame in Puerto Rico (NY Times) Fighting for Those Who Can No Longer Speak (SocialistWorker.org) Resisting Disaster Capitalists and Building Solidarity in Puerto Rico (Grassroots International) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | 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: TBT_1190_Island_Recovery_Hurricane_Maria_laid_bare_the_colonialism_and_disaster_capitalism_in_Puerto_Rico_Throwback_General_-_9-14-23_15.29.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:01pm EDT |
Wed, 13 September 2023
Air Date 9/13/2023 This eye-opening episode will explore the complex web of colonialism, disaster capitalism, and climate change is ravaging Native Hawaiian communities. We explore how corporations and privatization going back to annexation have exacerbated wildfires, water scarcity and housing issues in Hawaii. We also discuss the role of tourism and its impact on local culture and resources and learn how community-led mutual aid efforts are offering a glimmer of hope for the unhoused and those struggling to reclaim their ancestral lands. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) Related Episodes: #1401 That is a Texas-Sized Climate Disaster You Got There SHOW NOTES We speak with Hawaiian law professor Kapuaʻala Sproat about the conditions that made the fires more destructive and what’s yet to come for residents looking to rebuild their lives. Ch. 2: Why Maui burned - Today, Explained - Air Date 8-15-23 Hawaii’s landscape has been rapidly changing for the last 200 years thanks to plantations, tourism, and climate change. A reporter and climatologist explain how those factors fueled one of the worst wildfires in US history. Ch. 3: We are concerned for you. - Read Choi - Air Date 8-4-23 A skit imagining a discussion between an elite property owner and a Native Hawaiian Ch. 4: Disasters at every turn - Native America Calling - Air Date 8-28-23 Officials are still sorting out the human and financial toll of the unprecedented fire on Maui. Many Native Hawaiians remain missing, hundreds more sustained serious damage to their homes and businesses. We speak with Kaniela Ing, national director of the Green New Deal Network and seventh-generation Kanaka Maoli, Native Hawaiian, about the impact of this week’s devastating wildfires and their relationship to climate change. In Lahaina, the area in west Maui that is of historical importance to Indigenous people, entire neighborhoods were wiped out by this week’s historic wildfires, including the Na 'Aikane o Maui Cultural Center Janine Jackson takes a quick look back at recent press coverage of the Maui fires and the climate crisis. Ch. 8: Wildfires - This is Democracy - Air Date 9-5-23 This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by guests Randy Denzer and Dr. Alison Alter to discuss the increasing incidence of wildfires in the United States and what efforts have been made to mitigate them. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: Relationships, Money, and Maui Tourism - The Amanda Seales Show - Air Date 8-18-23 Is Tourism helpful to the Hawaiian Islands? Is the tourism industry a byproduct of the colonization of Hawaii? Ch. 10: How Native Hawaiians have been pushed out of Hawai'i - Bianca Graulau - Air Date 2-7-23 Native Hawaiians are struggling to afford to live on the land that was once stolen from their ancestors. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on the need for better systems to respond to predictable disasters MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1582_Maui_Fire_Colonialism_Air_Date_9-13-23_General_-_9-13-23_18.11.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:29pm EDT |
Fri, 8 September 2023
Air Date: 9-8-23
REFERENCES: The Misunderstood Reason Millions of Americans Stopped Going to Church - The Atlantic Evangelicals Are Now Rejecting 'Liberal' Teachings of Jesus - Newsweek Doug Rushkoff Is Ready to Renounce the Digital Revolution - Wired A philosopher's psychedelic encounter with reality - The Gray Area with Sean Illing
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Wed, 6 September 2023
Air Date 9/6/2023 The first GOP presidential debate happened without the frontrunner, Donald Trump, being present for the event but rather hanging over the proceedings like a specter. Meanwhile, Trump's legal troubles continue to mount and we examine what it is that is keeping Republican voters and presidential candidates alike, with minor exceptions, firmly defending the former president. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: The Party of Authoritarianism - In The Thick - Air Date 8-23-23 As the GOP presidential debates make their premiere in Milwaukee, Jeanne Whalen reports on Donald Trump’s failure to make good on a promise of bringing a manufacturing boom to Wisconsin Ch. 2: Trickle Down Trumpism - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 8-26-23 The GOP debate, where Trump was somehow both absent and present. Highlights from the first Republican presidential debate of the 2023 race and analysis from John Nichols Ch. 4: Why top Republicans want to bomb Mexico - Today, Explained - Air Date 8-29-23 Long-shot presidential candidate Ron DeSantis said he would send US forces into Mexico “on day one.” Longer-shot presidential candidate Will Hurd explains why that’s a bad idea. Ch. 5: Trickle Down Trumpism Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 8-26-23 Ch. 6: The Party of Authoritarianism Part 2 - In The Thick - Air Date 8-23-23 Ch. 7: Is America Run By A Psychopathic Cult w Seth D. Norrholm - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 8-24-23 Will America’s Democracy be a memory before Trump’s cult wakes up? Ch. 8: Trickle Down Trumpism Part 3 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 8-26-23 Ch. 9: Ticking Bomb Inside GOP’s Plan To Defund Trump Prosecution - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 8-31-23 Far-Right lawmakers want to defund Fani Willis without settling for legal means to stop the persecution of Donald Trump. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Discussing the 14th Amendment option Discussing the GOP debate on support for Ukraine FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on the need to ban Trump from office in the right way MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: A four-quadrant layout of photos of GOP presidential candidates, including Chris Christie, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Vivek Ramaswamy. At the intersection of the images is a red circle around a photo of Donald Trump’s face, mid-speech, pointing a finger at the camera. Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman. Individual image credits: Chris Christie by Michael Vadon, Flickr (License: CC BY-SA 2.0), Changes: Cropped; Photos of Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Donald Trump all by Gage Skidmore, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1581_GOP_Debate_Authoritarianism_Air_Date_9-6-23_General_-_9-6-23_18.17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:24pm EDT |
Sun, 3 September 2023
Air Date 9/3/2023 Sports gambling through smartphones has become widely available and wildly addictive but the effects are being felt beyond the individual gambler's bank account and anxiety levels. Partnerships between gambling companies and colleges, influencers, and even journalistic institutions like ESPN are changing the fundamentals of the sports themselves and how they're understood by fans - all for the worse. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: How the Sports Betting Industry Quietly Consumed America - Wendover Productions - Air Date 12-13-22 How the Sports Betting Industry Quietly Consumed America Ch. 2: The Explosion of Online Sports Betting with Eric Lipton - Why Is This Happening? - Air Date 5-9-23 You’ve probably encountered an advertisement for sports betting in one form or another. In the past few years, there’s been a marked rise in the number of online sports betting ads from companies like DraftKings and FanDuel. On the Domonique Foxworth Show, Domonique dives into the latest news of NFL players suspended for gambling violations and how everything revolves around money. Ch. 4: ESPN Will NEVER be the Same After This Major Decision - TYT Sports - Air Date 8-12-23 Now that legal sports betting has become normalized and adopted nationwide, ESPN is trying to wedge themselves into the market, which is something that should worry anyone who cares about sports. Rick Strom breaks it down. Ch. 5: The Toxic Normalization of Online Gambling - Cara Nicole - Air Date 9-30-22 In this video, we're dissecting the rise of sports betting apps, gambling shows on Twitch and ESPN, casino streams by celebrities like Drake, and how we're creating widespread gambling addictions We are weeks away from college basketball’s March Madness and billions of dollars worth of wagers on the games. As more states legalize sports betting, Paul Solman reports on the increasing concern that some colleges are too involved in its promotion. Ch. 7: What Happened to Black Activism in Professional Sports? - Edge of Sports - Air Date 7-26-23 Later in the show, we have Choice Words about the social cost of smartphone sports gambling becoming the economic lifeblood of sports. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 8: The Puppets of Online Gambling - Philion - Air Date 4-7-23 Stake.com is the world's largest crypto casino valued at over 1 billion dollars. It is licensed in Curacao and operates out of Australia. Stake.com is infiltrating pop culture via Twitch streamers celebrities & coporate sponsors Ch. 9: How Australian sports make money from gambling - Full Story - Air Date 5-10-23 As the online gambling industry grows, at least one Australian football league is taking a greater share of its revenue. Reporter Henry Belot tells Jane Lee why this is a problem for fans, punters and even some players VOICEMAILS Ch. 10: Buddhist teachings and A.I. - Craig from Ohio FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on the outsized influence of impetuous billionaires MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1580_Sports_Gambling_Air_Date_9-3-23_General_-_9-3-23_15.23.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:39pm EDT |
Thu, 31 August 2023
Original Air Date: 12/15/2017 The history and current state of rich people seeking to undermine democratic rule by the people in favor of oligarchy for the rich Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Show NotesCh. 1: Why The Koch Brothers Despise The Constitution - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 07-26-17 Ch. 2: Jane Mayer on the Rise of Conservative Orthodoxy - On The Media - Air Date 5-5-17 Ch. 3: The complicated reality of corruption rules. @BackStory - Air Date: 11-24-17 Ch. 4: Millionaire Donor Threatens Democrats - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-14-17 Ch. 5: Why our democracy in is danger - Belabored (@DissentMag) - Air Date 5-13-16 Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon & check out our Winter Fundraiser! 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: 1152_Rise_of_the_oligarchy_Money_in_Politics_General_-_8-31-23_15.43.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:56pm EDT |
Tue, 29 August 2023
Original Air Date 8/10/2022 Origins of the European colonial land-grab, the need for the #Landback movement, and the benefits to society and the environment in the context of the climate crisis to return stewardship of the land to native peoples. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Why It’s Time To Give Native Americans Their Land Back - AJ+ - Air Date 10-9-20 For some reason, Oct. 12th is still Columbus Day in a lot of the United States. Fortunately, more and more cities and states are adopting that day as Indigenous Peoples Day Ch. 2: Canada, it's time for Land Back - The Breach - Air Date 6-2-21 Since its inception, Canada has been stealing Indigenous lands — by the barrel of a gun, by starvation tactics & by tearing children from their families. Ch. 3: Mark Charles: An Indigenous Liberation Theology - A People's Theology - Air Date 7-7-21 Mason chats with Mark Charles about his book, Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery. We chat all about the Doctrine of Discovery, Mark's theology of land and water, and much more. Ch. 4: Can Indigenous People Lead the Fight Against Climate Change? - Above the Noise - Air Date 4-20-22 Indigenous communities across the globe are experts at managing and protecting land. Is it time the U.S. finally returned STOLEN parklands back to them? Ch. 5: LandBack: The Indigenous Liberation Movement - Andrewism - Air Date 1-6-21 LandBack isn’t about deporting white people. It’s a path to a better future. Native American representation in film and TV used to be confined to Westerns and storylines of defeat. Today, a new wave of Native American comedies, written and created by Native peoples, are taking back their narratives. Bonus: Landback cold open - Reservation Dogs S1 E3 Uncle Brownie - Air Date 8-16-21 MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 7: Meet the native Hawaiians fighting U.S. occupation - AJ+ - Air Date 3-3-17 In 1893, armed U.S. naval forces helped American sugar plantation owners illegally overthrow Hawaii’s constitutional monarchy. 100 years later, the U.S. apologized and admitted in a resolution that Native Hawaiians had never relinquished their sovereignty From 1877 to 1934, under a range of laws and reneged-upon treaties, the U.S. government appropriated tens of millions of acres of Native American land. In recent years there has been a growing movement known as “land back” to reclaim their lands. VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: Definition of power and organizing - Pat from Chicago FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on why the left doesn't fight hard enough for political power TAKE ACTION / EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE Yellowhead Institute (@Yellowhead_): "Land Back - A Yellowhead Institute Red Paper" (Includes tools and resources. Canadian-based, but broadly applicable.) NDN Collective (@ndncollective): LandBack.org (U.S.-based) Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: A red "Land Back" flag waves outside the front of a courthouse. An American flag flies above it against a blue sky at the top of the courthouse. Credit: "A Land Back flag flies under the US Flag outside Aitkin County Courthouse in Aitkin, Minnesota" by Lorie Shaull | License CC by 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, increased contrast, decreased brightness
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1506_Landback_Air_Date_8-10-22_General_Rerun_-_8-29-23_20.35.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:45pm EDT |
Sun, 27 August 2023
Original Air Date 8/2/2022 Explaining neurodiversity and why it should be seen as a strength and benefit to society when accommodated properly rather than a problem to be solved or, worse, ignored. Autism, ADHD and other examples of neurodiversity all have positive attributes that rarely get talked about which blinds society to those benefits but also perpetuates stigma. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: What Exactly is Neurodiversity? - How to ADHD - Air Date 1-18-22 The neurodiversity movement has been around for some time, but what exactly is it? In this video, we talk about what the neurodiversity movement is and how it's linked to the autistic community. In this talk, Adriana discusses the idea of neurodiversity. Many people are labeled incorrectly because their brains are wired differently. Adriana offers awareness and an alternative way to see people as unique and valuable. Ch. 3: Giftedness is Not Achievement with Aurora Remember Holtzman - ADHD Essentials - Air Date 12-11-21 Today, we’re talking to Aurora Remember Holtzman. Aurora is a school psychologist, neurodivergence coach, and host of the Embracing Intensity podcast. And her focus is giftedness and twice exceptionality. Ch. 4: Creating a Neurodiversity-Affirming World - Neurodiversity Podcast - Air Date 8-10-21 Emily Kircher-Morris and Joel Schwartz talk about what it would take to create a neurodiversity-affirming world where old stereotypes and perceptions are shed. Ch. 5: Elaine Halligan: Neurodiversity is a super power, not a problem - TEDx Talks - Air Date 11-25-19 We have to break the stigma around mental health and children. Most of the time the signals are quite subtle and can be often overlooked by parents, so many children may be suffering behind closed doors. Ch. 6: The Utility (or Futility) of Labels - The Neurodiversity Podcast - Air Date 7-7-22 The reality of working within a system in flux. The meaning or usefulness of the term “gifted.” The utility (or futility) of labels. The confusion of overlapping diagnoses. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: Neurodivergence and Queerness with Leela Sinha - Embracing Intensity - Air Date 5-23-22 Today’s episode is a recording of our talk with Leela Sinha on the intersection of neurodivergence and gender. This is definitely not an “inside-the-box” topic. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on the hyper-focus ability of ADHD MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: The neurodiversity awareness symbol - an infinity symbol (a horizontal elongated number 8) in a rainbow of overlapping colors - is against a white background. Image Credit: “Neurodiversity Symbol” by MissLunaRose12, Wikimedia Commons | License: CC by-SA 4.0 | Changes: White background added
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1504_Neurodivergency_Air_Date_8-2-22_General_Rerun_-_8-26-23_17.13.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:37am EDT |
Fri, 25 August 2023
Original Air Date 9-11-2018 Strategies to, and reasons why we need to, have better political conversations. As the first GOP debate signals the beginning of a new election cycle with the country divided as ever, we could always use a refresher on better ways to communicate. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Robb Willer: How to have better political conversations - @TEDTalks - Air Date 2-9-17 Robb Willer studies the forces that unite and divide us. As a social psychologist, he researches how moral values -- typically a source of division -- can also be used to bring people together. Ch. 2: Understanding the backfire effect Part 1 - You are not so smart - Air Date 2-10-17 Stephan Lewandowsky takes us step-by-step through The Debunking Handbook, a guide he and John Cook wrote for avoiding the backfire effect when confronting vaccine and climate change deniers. Ch. 3: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE: California’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. The amount of political disagreement in the nation is matched only by righteous indignation. But in order to disagree without disrespecting each other, we need to look hard at our own positions, and Van Jones does just that. Explaining the key takeaway regarding the backfire effect. Always replace a faulty idea with a valid one. Never debunk a claim only to leave a void. Explaining why saying the things you may want to say to your political adversaries is more likely to exacerbate the problems in our political divide further, making you part of the problem.
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | 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: TBT_1209_How_to_Debate_Your_Values-_Being_part_of_the_solution_in_an_age_of_hyper-polarization_as_we_enter_a_new_election_cycle_Throwback_General_-_8-24-23_21.17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:39am EDT |
Wed, 23 August 2023
Air Date 8/23/2023 For decades, we have rightly been focused on dialing back endemic misogyny and poking holes in the patriarchy in the hopes of a new normal of gender relations emerging that would be genuinely healthier for everyone, not just women. But, with so much of the focus on the type of masculinity men and boys shouldn't embrace, we may have fallen short on giving positive direction to boys about what they should be and do. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Andrew Tate & Re-examining Masculinity - Long Story Short The Daily Show - Air Date 4-21-23 Jordan Klepper looks at Andrew Tate and breaks down how a void of role models has harmful consequences for young boys. Ch. 2: The new crisis of masculinity - The Gray Area - Air Date 8-7-23 What does masculinity mean these days? Sean Illing speaks with Christine Emba, a columnist at The Washington Post who wrote the piece “Men are lost. Here’s a map out of the wilderness.” Ch. 3: The New Masculinity - ON BOYS podcast - Air Date 4-27-23 Boys and men, Manley says, are caught between traditional definitions and understandings of masculinity, and a future definition that hasn’t been fully defined. Host Roy Wood Jr. sits down with the co-founder of “A Call to Men,” Ted Bunch, and developmental psychology professor at NYU, Niobe Way, to chat about boys' friendships and how therapy could be transformative for a lot of men. Ch. 5: What Does Positive Masculinity Look Like? - Paging Dr. NerdLove - Air Date 4-12-18 Toxic masculinity doesn’t mean that being a man is toxic, bad, or even undesirable. At the same time, non-toxic or positive masculinity doesn’t mean apologizing for being a man or trying to be as gender-neutral as possible. Ch. 6: What is Positive Masculinity: How Patriarchy Oppresses Men - Swolesome - Air Date 12-2-22 Looking at what patriarchy teaches boys to do MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 8: The New Masculinity Part 2 - ON BOYS podcast - Air Date 4-27-23 Ch. 9: Why Allan Energy Is The New “Big D_CK Energy” - Barbie Movie - Fashionistas - Air date 8-4-23 Examining positive masculinity through Allen from The Barbie Movie FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on why emotionally stunted men are a social, not individual, problem MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1579_Positive_Masculinity_Air_Date_8-23-23_General_-_8-23-23_18.33.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:49pm EDT |
Sun, 20 August 2023
Air Date 8/20/2023 Big tech is currently scrambling to bring untested A.I. products to market, over-promising, under-delivering, and working hard obscure and ignore any possible downsides for society. Big tech needs A.I. regulation now before we all suffer the easily foreseeable consequences as well as some unforeseeable ones. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: A.I. is B.S. - Adam Conover - Air Date 3-31-23 The real risk of A.I. isn't that some super-intelligent computer is going to take over in the future - it's that the humans in the tech industry are going to screw the rest of us over right now. What does it look like to align technology with humanity’s best interests? Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin discuss how existing A.I. capabilities already pose catastrophic risks to a functional society Ch. 3: Tech's Mask Off Moment - What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future - Air Date 8-13-23 When conservative writer Richard Hanania’s old posts, originally published under a pseudonym, came to light people were shocked at just how racist and reactionary they were. Perhaps less shocking were the tech moguls who were revealed to be supporting him A shocking story of wrongful arrest in Detroit has renewed scrutiny of how facial recognition software is being deployed by police departments, despite major flaws in the technology. Ch. 5: Princeton University's Ruja Benjamin on Bias in Data and A.I. - The Data Chief - Air Date - 2-3-21 Joining Cindi today is Ruha Benjamin, a professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and the founding director of the IDA B. WELLS Just Data Lab. She has studied the social dimensions of science, technology, and medicine for over 15 years Timnit Gebru was fired by Google in a cloud of controversy, now she's making waves beyond Big Tech's pervasive influence Ch. 8: Can We Govern AI? - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 4-21-23 Our guest Marietje Schaake was at the forefront of crafting tech regulations for the EU. In spite of AI’s complexity, she argues there is a path forward for the U.S. and other governing bodies to rein in companies that continue to release these products MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: Buddhism in the Age of AI - Soryu Forall - Monastic Academy - Air Date 6-21-23 FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on the difference between Microsoft's marketing and the realities of capitalism MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1578_Regulating_AI_Air_Date_8-20-23_General_-_8-18-23_17.59.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:18pm EDT |
Thu, 17 August 2023
Original Air Date 12-7-2019 In the context of the devastating fire on Maui, we are replaying this throwback episode to look at the reaction to decades of the fetishization of privatization in the form of a reinvigorated movement for public ownership of institutions meant to serve the public such as utilities, banks, train systems and so on. But this isn't your grandfather's top-down public ownership, the new movement has bottom-up, accountable, democratic control of institutions at the very core of its mission. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES PG&E declared bankruptcy amid a number of lawsuits related to the wildfires. We speak with California Congressmember Ro Khanna, who is calling for the California state government to take over control of PG&E. Ch. 2: When Power Goes Out, Who Is Held Accountable? - Building Local Power - Air Date 10-31-19 PG&E’s negligence and how a distributed energy system could avoid future outages and detrimental fire damage. Ch. 3: Public Ownership 2.0 - Weekly Economics - Air Date 2-18-19 Public ownership is back on the agenda. But if privatization has failed, what kind of public ownership should replace it? Ch. 4: From Private Profits to Public Alternatives - The Next System Podcast - Air Date 1-24-19 The conversation runs the gamut from the pitfalls of the privatization of goods and services to the social benefits of public ownership and envisioning democratic governance thereof. Ch. 5: The Future of Banking - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-29-19 Ralph welcomes Walt McRee President of Public Banking Associates, who explains how public banks should be the future of banking. Ch. 6: Trinity Tran on Public Banking - CounterSpin - Air Date 10-11-19 Trinity Tran, co-founder and lead organizer for Public Bank LA and a founding member of the California Public Banking Alliance. Ch. 7: Who’s Afraid of Public Ownership? - The Laura Flanders Show - Air Date 1-28-19 Laura in conversation with Thomas Hanna, research director at The Democracy Collaborative and author of “Our Common Wealth: The Return of Public Ownership in the United States”. MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | 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: 1323_Power_to_the_People-_The_Future_of_Public_Ownership_and_Local_Control_General_-_8-17-23_15.47.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:18pm EDT |
Wed, 16 August 2023
Air Date: 8-15-23
REFERENCES: The ‘Dopamine Detox’ Is Having a Moment Dopamine fasting: Misunderstanding science spawns a maladaptive fad #dopamine #dopamineaddiction #classpolitics #disabilitystudies - slug.town on TikTok
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Direct download: Bonus_Show_276_Sample_-_8-15-23_20.36.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:05am EDT |
Sat, 12 August 2023
Air Date 8/12/2023 Today, we take a look at the most consequential case against Trump which summarizes his direct involvement in using allegedly illegal means to contest the 2020 election while making knowingly false claims about the legitimacy of election process while directing a conspiracy of followers to do the same. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES We speak with Robert Weissman, president of Public Citizen, and former federal prosecutor Dennis Aftergut on the new criminal charges against Donald Trump for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Ch. 2: A Special Reading Of The Special Counsel's Trump Indictment Part 1 - Brian Lehrer - Air Date 8-4-23 We present longform readings of key excerpts from the Trump indictment, plus analysis from legal experts. House Democrats: The Trump trials should be televised. Ch. 4: Charges to Overturn an Election - Prosecuting Donald Trump - Air Date 8-2-23 Donald Trump has been indicted for a third time, twice now at the federal level. Jack Smith’s indictment lays out the chilling details of his alleged plot to overturn the 2020 election. We speak with Author Carol Anderson about Trump's attempt to wipe out the votes of Americans of color and the intimidation of Black voters and election workers. Ch. 8: A Protective Order - Prosecuting Donald Trump - Air Date 8-7-23 Trump and team spent the weekend unleashing defenses across social media and major news networks. This, along with the former president’s record of revealing private information, led prosecutors to seek a protective order from Judge Chutkan. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 10: A Special Reading Of The Special Counsel's Trump Indictment Part 3 - Brian Lehrer - Air Date 8-4-23 FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on the possibility of accountability for Trump at last MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1577_Trump_Indictment_Air_Date_8-12-23_General_-_8-9-23_17.10.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am EDT |
Thu, 10 August 2023
Original Air Date 11-1-2016 Today we dive deeply into the world of conservatives as described in the new book “Strangers in their own Land” by Arlie Russel Hochschild in an attempt to understand how some non-deplorable people in the country could be supporting Donald Trump. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 6: Act 3: How Our Stone-Age Brain Gets in the Way of Smart Politics Part 1 - @BillMoyersHQ in Conversation - Air Date 4-15-16 Ch. 10: Act 5: The Deep Story of conservatives and the rise of Trump - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date 9-29-16 Ch. 12: Act 6: How Our Stone-Age Brain Gets in the Way of Smart Politics Part 2 - @BillMoyersHQ in Conversation - Air Date 4-15-16 Ch. 14: Act 7: Where shame is the companion to need - @thisishellradio - Air Date 10-22-16 Ch. 16: Act 8: The Media That Created Trump - United States of Anxiety - Air Date 10-13-16 Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com 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
Direct download: 1054_Making_a_genuine_effort_to_understand_Trump_conservatives_General_-_8-10-23_12.16.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:43pm EDT |
Wed, 9 August 2023
Original Air Date 6/25/2022 Today we take a look at some of the takeaways from the hearings investigating the January 6th insurrection. Most notably: they knew, they knew, they knew, they knew from the very beginning that their fraud claims were nonsense and they pushed ahead anyway. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: The Jan. 6 Insurrection Understanding The Big Picture Part 1 - Fresh Air - Air Date 6-9-22 New York Times Congressional reporter Luke Broadwater says the effort to overturn the 2020 election results was a "sprawling and diffuse" one that involved local governments as well as White House insiders. Ch. 2: January 6th Goes Primetime Part 1 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 6-10-22 Brad is joined by guest co-host Dr. Leah Payne. They begin by discussing the first primetime hearing of the J6 Select Committee. They then focus on Tucker Carlson's response to hearings. Ch. 3: Special coverage of House J6 Hearing, Day 3 Part 1 - The BradCast - Air Date 6-16-22 RANDALL D. ELIASON, and HEATHER DIGBY offer important insights into today's hearing, which was focused on Donald Trump's corrupt pressure campaign to induce former Vice President Mike Pence to violate his oath to the Constitution Ch. 4: The Jan. 6 Insurrection Understanding The Big Picture Part 2 - Fresh Air - Air Date 6-9-22 Ch. 5: January 6th Goes Primetime Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 6-10-22 Ch. 6: Special coverage of House J6 Hearing, Day 3 Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 6-16-22 This week on Intercepted, investigative reporter Trevor Aaronson is joined by Margot Williams, research editor for The Intercept, and Michael Loadenthal, founder and executive director of the Prosecution Project. These retired Generals fought to defend Democracy abroad, now they are warning that America's Democracy needs to be defended from threats inside the country. Six Republican members of Congress who supported Donald Trump's lies sought broad presidential pardons for their involvement in the campaign to discredit the election results MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Republican Speaker of the Arizona House "Rusty" Bowers described how he was pushed by Trump, John Eastman and Rudy Giuliani to call the Arizona Legislature back into session to investigate claimed illegal votes. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on turning anger into election action MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: The logo of the House January 6th Commission sits on a background image of the interior ceiling of the U.S. Capitol dome. The logo is a white illustration of the U.S. Capitol dome and below it are the words "Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol". Credit: January6th.house.gov Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1499_Jan_6_Hearings_Air_Date_6-25-22_General_Rerun_-_8-8-23_21.34.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am EDT |
Sun, 6 August 2023
Air Date 8/6/2023 Today, we take a look at the education curriculum reforms currently being pushed through in Florida through the lens of the long pattern of choosing to see our history in a way that comforts the comfortable and afflicts the afflicted. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Meet the Man Driving the Right’s Culture War Panic - Deconstructed - Air Date 7-28-23 The Republican Party’s full embrace of the culture war as a political tactic — from drag queen story hour to critical race theory and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives — has been chiefly guided by activist and polemicist Christopher Rufo Rachel Chapman, who teaches AP Psychology in Florida, talks with Alex Wagner about being an educator in Florida why psychology can't pick and choose which people to consider. Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman had to break down why the new curriculum in Florida that requires teachers to explain how slaves benefitted from slavery is racist Ch. 4: PragerU in Florida Schools - I Doubt It Podcast - Air Date 7-28-23 Jesse and Brittany discuss the heat wave wreaking havoc on the nation as well as their recent adventures engaged in tourist activities in DC, listener communication related to Biden's re-election and the new Florida education guidelines Highlighting some of the gentle pushback from Black Republicans to the new Florida education curriculum Ch. 6: Fox News BUSTED For Rewriting History Of Slavery - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-26-23 Jesse Watters spoke with William Allen, one of the authors of Florida's revised Black History curriculum, about Vice President Harris's representation that one of the standards outlined implies teaching that slavery in some ways benefitted Black Americans Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is trying to control the type of education that Florida students can receive, most recently rejecting an advanced placement course in African-American studies, claiming it was “contrary to Florida law” MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) If the average American were to learn about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training through its discussion in the political arena alone, suspicion of it should be expected, and hostility toward it would be understandable. Duh. Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the fight over African American studies in Florida’s curriculum Ch. 10: The Court Room of History - Why Now? A Political Junkie Podcast - Air Date 7-29-23 In this episode, we are talking about her most recent book, Sisters and Rebels: A Struggle for the Soul of America (W.W. Norton, 2019), which tells the story of three sisters, women from the slave-holding Lumpkin family of Georgia. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on how education curriculum is helping maintain power imbalances MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1576_Florida_Education_Air_Date_8-6-23_General_-_8-6-23_19.09.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:41pm EDT |
Fri, 4 August 2023
Air Date: 8-4-23 REFERENCES: Matt Gaetz Can’t Say Margot Robbie Is Hot Without Being Transphobic - Rolling Stone Can the Daily Wire Become a Right-Wing Entertainment Machine? - Bloomberg
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Wed, 2 August 2023
Air Date 8/2/2023 Today, we take a look at the status of the war in Ukraine and the decision made recently for the US to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine, a munition that Biden's Press Sec. referred to as a potential war crime when it was reported that Russia had used them. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Is Russia Headed Towards Collapse - Gaslit Nation - Air Date 6-27-23 Russian mafia expert Olga Lautman joins Andrea to discuss where things are headed in Russia’s escalating power struggle, what it means for Ukraine, and how the world needs to start preparing for a post-Putin Russia. Ch. 2: Tim Mak on the Ukrainian Counteroffensive - The Good Fight - Air Date 7-1-23 In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Tim Mak discuss the slow progress of Ukraine’s counteroffensive and how a big breakthrough might come about. Daniel Bessner and Derek Davison hosts of the American Prestige Podcast join the program to discuss the problematic origins behind the formation of NATO and its continued role in the world today. We're joined on the show by the author of the investigation, William Arkin, a national security reporter and senior editor at Newsweek, who says that the CIA has "got its hand in a little bit of everything" in Ukraine. Ch. 5: Cluster Bomb Fight in the House - Deconstructed - Air Date 7-15-23 Ryan Grim is joined by Erik Sperling to discuss how a bipartisan bill to prevent the Biden administration from sending cluster bombs to Ukraine went from gaining momentum to being undermined by another bill. Ch. 6: The Indiscriminate Rain of Cluster Bombs Part - Intercepted - Air Date 7-18-23 Marc Garlasco joins Jeremy Scahill and Murtaza Hussain to discuss how cluster munitions kill civilians during war and long after, and why their use should be considered a war crime. Ch. 7: Cluster Bomb Fight in the House Part 2 - Deconstructed - Air Date 7-15-23 MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: The Indiscriminate Rain of Cluster Bombs Part 2 - Intercepted - Air Date 7-18-23 Ch. 10: Tim Mak on the Ukrainian Counteroffensive Part 2 - The Good Fight - Air Date 7-1-23 FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on the coming civic renewal of 2024 MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE: Credit: "Cluster bombs in fig orchard in Yaroun, Lebanon" by Cluster Munition Coalition, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1575_Cluster_Bombs_Air_Date_8-2-23_General_-_8-2-23_10.35.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:49pm EDT |
Sun, 30 July 2023
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get 20% Off Membership in July!) Original Air Date 6/17/2022 Today we take a look at many intertwining realizations that are beginning to permeate society which include but are not limited to the dead-end mentality of infinite growth, the uselessness of growth past a certain point for wellbeing, and the deepening alienation being felt in response to consumerism in place of community. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com SHOW NOTES “Infinite growth on a finite planet is a recipe for catastrophe” Some economists have long argued that to really save the planet – and ourselves – from the climate crisis, we need a fundamental overhaul of the way our economies work. Ch. 3: Degrowth: liberation from growthism - The Taxcast - Air Date 9-23-21 In this episode, Naomi Fowler explores degrowth and how we liberate ourselves from ‘growthism’ with economic anthropologist Jason Hickel. Standing Rock was a pivotal moment in regards to Indigenous resistance — but it was just one in a long line of battles that Indigenous peoples have been fighting against the twin forces of colonialism and capitalism since first contact. Ch. 5: Eco-Socialist Degrowth? w/ Paul Murphy - Rupture Radio - Air Date 5-2-22 Capitalist growth is destroying our life support systems. Every single year the material taken from the Earth to feed the insatiable capitalist appetite for profits grows larger and the waste spewing into the atmosphere, land, rivers, and sea grows bigger We talked about the concept of 'green growth', and why the notion of decoupling growth from intensive resource use is ultimately unconvincing. We also chatted about the Green New Deal and whether it is compatible with the politics of degrowth. Tim Jackson, ecological economist, professor, and author of the book "Post Growth: Life After Capitalism," joins David to discuss consumption, growth, macroeconomics, the modern economy, and more. Some economists have long argued that to really save the planet – and ourselves – from the climate crisis, we need a fundamental overhaul of the way our economies work. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: How We End Consumerism - Our Changing Climate - Air Date 6-4-21 How we end consumerism, explained. We spoke with him about international capitalism during the pandemic, new opportunities for degrowth economics, and how to fundamentally move to a post-capitalist world — which will take more than just a shift in economic policy We explored some alternative societal and economic models such as degrowth, living well within limits, permacircularity and we continue our quest by looking into post-growth. MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1497_Wellness_Economy_Air_Date_6-18-22_General_Rerun_-_7-30-23_18.38.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:20pm EDT |
Thu, 27 July 2023
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get 20% Off Membership in July!) Original Air Date: 2/15/2019 Today we take a look at recent teachers union strike in the Los Angeles school district and see it as another event in an emerging pattern of progressive uprisings that have been stirring for the last decade, fighting back against the status quo, neoliberal instinct to privatize everything for the ultimate benefit of billionaires. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Why Teachers Are Striking in Los Angeles - NowThis - Air Date 1-20-19 ‘This strike is a strike to save public education.’ — Here’s why Los Angeles teachers are striking in their own words. Caputo-Pearl talks about a wide range of issues that led to the strike. Building up to the strike as a leader in the union. UTLA received criticism for being too bold but with an issue this large, it's important to be bold. The people in power are all about privatization. Public education attacks are compared to citizens united. Public schools have become a competing marketplace instead of educational services. Ch. 4: A surge in strikes! - Past Present - Air Date: 1-28-2019 Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the Los Angeles teachers’ strike. Enthusiasm for collective action since the election of '45. Fighting for the very existence of public schools. Charter makes things better for some, public makes things better for all (when properly funded and supported). Charter squirms around Unions. Sarah Jaffe discusses why the parents agreed with the strike. Librarians who have to travel to different schools every day of the week. Will austerity reign, or can they turn it around. Fight for a society that actually provides what people need. Ch. 6: LA Teachers Striking For All Of Us - The Michael Brooks Show - 01-07-2019 While the LA Teachers Union strikes, their demands are referred to as shiny distractions. Increased privatization by charter schools reduces the effectiveness of public education. MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | 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: 1250_Teachers_at_the_forefront_of_a_resurgent_progressive_labor_movement_General_-_7-27-23_19.12.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:18pm EDT |
Tue, 25 July 2023
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get 20% Off Membership in July!) Air Date 7/25/2023 Today, we take a look at the impact of the rise of streaming video services and the potential for AI-written scripts on the future of show business and those trying to earn a living from it. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Writers Guild Strikes Back | Adam Conover Part 1 - The Majority Report - Air Date 6-11-23 Adam Conover then talks Sam through updates on the writers’ strike as it reaches its fifth week, tackling the scope of the issues – from the gigification of the job to the labor threat of AI Ch. 2: Why Actors Are Striking For The First Time In 40 Years - More Perfect Union - Air Date 6-23-23 Hollywood actors have joined writers on strike and shut down the TV and film industry. Streaming has broken the industry. Successful actors are working second jobs. Some received $0 in residuals from Netflix shows with millions of viewers. Ch. 3: Why the Supreme Court Broke Up Hollywood's Studio System - On the Media - Air Date 7-5-23 The dominance of giant streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus has led to the current strike by television writers, who say their ubiquity has led to lower pay, shakier job security, and perhaps even worse writing. Ch. 4: How streaming caused the TV writers strike - Vox - Air Date 6-7-23 The way scripted television gets made today has transformed the careers of writers. Ch. 5: Why Are Studio Executives Like This? - Steve Shives - Air Date 7-17-23 Donate to support the striking members of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA! Ch. 6: How AI Took Center Stage In The Hollywood Writers' Strike - CNBC - Air Date 6-30-23 As streaming companies scramble to nourish their bottom line, content is being removed from platforms, cutting off creators from being compensated. Ch. 7: Writers Guild Strikes Back | Adam Conover Part 2 - The Majority Report - Air Date 6-11-23 Ch. 8: Hollywood On Strike: Who Cares? - Wisecrack - Air Date 6-2-23 Screenwriters are on strike, which means a lot less new television for our greedy consumption. And understandably, nobody’s excited about Hollywood shutting down. But what if the writers’ strike can actually teach us about how labor movements function MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) For some people that’s a dystopian vision. But for Cristóbal Valenzuela, it’s a mission statement: Valenzuela is the co-founder and CEO of Runway, an AI startup that wants to radically change the way movies and TV are made. Ch. 10: 'We Know Where He F***ing Lives' - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-17-23 Hollywood star Ron Pearlman delivers a serious response to Disney CEO Bob Iger’s comments about using the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes to force writers and actors into homelessness. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on closing in on the end of our membership drive MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE Description: A person holds a large sign in a crowd of protestors that says “Writers Guild of America ON STRIKE!” Credit: “WGA Strike 6.21.2023 032” by ufcw770, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1574_Hollywood_Strikes_Air_Date_7-25-23_General_-_7-25-23_17.51.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:49pm EDT |
Sat, 22 July 2023
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get 20% Off Membership in July!) Air Date 7/22/2023 Today, we take a look at the action needed to curb and adapt to the extreme weather that climate change is already delivering Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com SHOW NOTES The planet last week registered its hottest day ever recorded and then broke it four different times on four consecutive days. Our climate is in crisis, from the U.S. to Canada to Spain to India. Andrew Freedman joins us to discuss. "We can't stop global warming at this point," says Bill McKibben, co-founder of 350.org. "All we can do is try to stop it short of the place where it cuts civilizations off at the knees." Emily Sanders discusses the article “How (Not) to Interview an Oil CEO”. Johanna Bozuwa joined us during 2019’s California wildfires and power outages, to explain the potential role of public utilities in the climate crisis. Sam and Emma talk to Bill McKibben, contributing writer at The New Yorker and founder of ThirdAct.org, to discuss the recent climate disasters across the country. Ch. 6: To Be Forewarned The Historical Record on Climate Change - WhoWhatWhy - Air date 7-14-23 Climate change shapes history, says historian Peter Frankopan. Civilizations thrive or fall on environmental stewardship and adaptability. Ch. 7: Disaster unpreparedness - Today, Explained - Air Date 7-13-23 Vermont just got slammed with flash floods, road closures, and evacuations. Harvard’s Juliette Kayyem says the storm reveals how unprepared the US is for the present moment when natural disasters are more frequent and more intense than ever before. By taking inspiration from ancient cities, they can prioritize public transportation and foster human connection, resulting in reduced emissions and more accessibility. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 10: Rep. AOC Reintroduces the Green New Deal on its 4th Anniversary - RepAOC - Air Date 4-20-23 “First they laugh at you, then they fight you, then we win.” FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments giving a hopeful perspective on climate action MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1573_Climate_Adaptation_Air_Date_7-22-23_General_-_7-22-23_13.07.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:33pm EDT |
Wed, 19 July 2023
Original Air Date: 10/16/2019 Today we take a look at the literally depressing truth about our economy, our work and the culture that surrounds it. We work too hard to be perfect, we don't get enough time off, many of us don't have enough control over the work we do and too many know their jobs are completely worthless. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get 20% Off Membership in July!) SHOW NOTES One in eight young people have a mental health problem. One big problem is access to treatment. Mental health services are underfunded, leaving many people stuck on waiting lists. Ch. 2: From Stigma to Oppression - Off-Kilter with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 5-31-19 Mental Illness is very common in the US, from burnout to anxiety to depression to suicide, and our systems don't support proper care. Ch. 3: Neoliberalism Is Creating a Mental Health Crisis - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 02-08-18 Neoliberalism, the belief that markets are democratic and that what works for them, works for all parts of society, isn't working for working people. Neoliberalism is creating a mental health crisis in America and around the world! Ch. 4: David Graeber Bullshit Jobs - Novara Media with James Butler - Air Date 2-1-19 David Graeber discusses neoliberalism, bullshit jobs, capitalism and the value of labor. Ch. 5: On Bullshit Jobs with David Graeber - This Is Hell - Air Date 5-14-18 David Graeber and Chuck discuss bullshit jobs, financial feudalism, the ruling class and human instinct. Ch. 6: Uncovering the Causes of Depression with Johann Hari - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-19-19 The biological makeup of humans has not changed for many centuries, but depression, anxiety and addiction are on the rise. Sam and Johann discuss. Ch. 7: Why You Are Depressed and Anxious with Johann Hari - TED Talks Daily - Air Date 9-18-19 Johann Hair discusses the causes of rising depression and anxiety because of the modern capitalist neoliberal world. MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | 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
Direct download: 1311_Our_Culture_and_Our_Economy_are_Making_Us_Depressed_General_-_7-18-23_21.19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:44am EDT |
Sun, 16 July 2023
Air Date 7/16/2023 Today, we take a look at the problems of overconsumption and some policy solutions for reducing waste through a circular, rather than linear, approach to the economy. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get 20% Off Membership in July!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Is capitalism actually broken? - TED-Ed - Air Date 11-1-22 People have become increasingly worried that the threats we face today, like climate change and rising inequality, can’t be solved by a capitalist economic system. So, is that true? And if it is, can we fix capitalism or do we need to tear the system down The United Nations (UN) opened its first conference on water security in almost half a century on Wednesday, with a plea to governments to better manage one of humanity's shared resources. We have a major “stuff” problem. With everything we want just a click away, we bring new things into our homes every day just to toss them out. Excessive consumption has led to an alarming statistic: The average American produces 4.5 pounds of trash daily Ch. 4: How do we create a better economy? - TED-Ed - Air Date 11-29-22 Can we call any economy “healthy” in the face of dwindling resources and growing inequality? What if we cut off our addiction to endless growth, and used a new compass for modern prosperity? Ch. 5: Europe's Circular Economy Action Plan - euronews - Air Date 11-24-20 Business Planet takes a look at Europe's plans for a Circular Economy and examines what this transition might mean for both businesses and consumers. Ch. 6: Amsterdam's "doughnut economy" puts climate ahead of GDP - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 4-24-21 Amsterdam is the first city in the world to adopt a radical economic theory that suggests economic growth shouldn’t be the ultimate measure of success. Instead, “doughnut economics” focuses on protecting the environment while meeting citizens’ basic needs The current fashion system is broken. Every year the fashion industry misses out on hundreds of billions of dollars and contributes significantly to waste and pollution through the linear take-make-waste economy. Ch. 8: We Need A Library Economy - Andrewism - Air Date 10-5-22 The library has been a long-standing institution in our society, but what if we applied its philosophy more broadly? Let's imagine what it would mean to realise the possibilities of this proto-socialist concept and reintroduce free access to the commons. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) How do you convince work colleagues that your bright idea isn’t just another burden to their existing workload? Working with policymakers at the regional and city level in Italy, Luigi Acquaviva has had to learn a few tricks What if there were no bad choices in your shopping basket? What if every bite of food had been designed in a way that helped to regenerate nature? FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments giving an update on the membership drive MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Direct download: 1572_Circular_Economics_Air_Date_7-16-23_General_-_7-16-23_11.46.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT |
Fri, 14 July 2023
Air Date: 7-14-23 REFERENCES: A Brief History of the 'Sad Desk Lunch' Party Of 1: We Are Eating A Lot Of Meals AloneParty Of 1: We Are Eating A Lot Of Meals Alone ‘Lunch of suffering’: plain ‘white people food’ goes viral in China The Instant Pot Failed Because It Was a Good Product
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Direct download: Bonus_Show_274_Sample_-_7-14-23_15.14.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:50pm EDT |
Tue, 11 July 2023
Air Date 7/11/2023 Today, we take a look at the history and unceremonious end of affirmative action for college admissions that were an attempt to correct the compounded impact of hundreds of years of systemic racism. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get 20% Off Membership in July!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Affirmative Reactions Part 1 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 7-1-23 What does the SCOTUS decision on affirmative action have to do with the Don't Say Gay bills, book bans, and attacks on school curricula all over the country? How is is part and parcel of a certain White supremacist libertarianism? Ch. 2: The Architect Part 1 - More Perfect - Air Date 12-7-17 More Perfect profiled Edward Blum in season one of the show. We catch up with him to hear about his latest effort to end affirmative action at Harvard. Ch. 3: What Does Color-Blind Really Mean - Notes From America - Air Date 7-10-23 Affirmative action is gone. Ibram X. Kendi tells us the history leading up to this moment and what could be next. Ch. 4: MAGA SCOTUS Is Back - Amicus - Air Date 7-1-23 The Supreme Court’s conservatives return to form, stripping protections for same-sex couples, striking down student loan relief, and ending race-conscious college admissions. Ch. 5: The Architect Part 2 - More Perfect - Air Date 12-7-17 Ch. 6: Asian Americans + Affirmative Action - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 7-5-23 Myths, Data, Predictions Ch. 7: What Does Color-Blind Really Mean Part 2 - Notes From America - Air Date 7-10-23 Ch. 8: Affirmative Reactions Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 7-1-23 “Shadow docket.” This refers to cases that are decided quickly, without written opinions or oral arguments. In his new book, Vladeck traces the transformation of the Supreme Court. He explains all to Hari Sreenivasan. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 10: Elie Mystal's Court Packing Plan - Contempt of Court - Air Date 7-10-23 When most people talk about expanding the Supreme Court, they're talking about adding a few justices. Two or four to the bench. But I am not most people. Ch. 11: Weekly Roundup Affirmative Reactions Part 3 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 7-1-23 FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on the need for a new solution to the old problem that affirmative action was trying to solve MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE Description: The angled shadow of a student in a cap and gown stretches across white concrete. Credit: "Graduation_Future_University_Cap" by Csparks, Pixabay
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1571_Affirmative_Action_Air_Date_7-11-23_General_-_7-11-23_19.01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:23pm EDT |
Sat, 8 July 2023
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Become a member in July for 20% off!) Air Date 7/8/2023 Today, we take a look at the dubious, ideologically-driven debate between overpopulation being a danger to the future of humanity and it being a dangerous myth obscuring the real issue of over-consumption Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Is Overpopulation Killing the Planet? - Ideas - Air Date 6-12-23 In the fall of 2022, humanity entered unprecedented territory when, according to the United Nations, the world’s population reached eight billion people. Journalist Bruce Livesey explores the complex issues around population growth We discuss how we might deliberately rein in our power, starting with an urgent transition away from fossil fuels, and move from a culture of unabated growth toward a culture of sufficiency, simplicity, and resilience. Ch. 3: Could Everything You Know About Global Population Growth Be Wrong? - WhoWhatWhy - Air Date 4-5-19 Contrary to popular and long held assumptions, global population is declining. The environmental consequences are good, the economic consequences are bad, says this podcast guest. Ch. 4: The Dubious Overpopulation Debate - Acclimated - Air Date 8-12-20 Is overpopulation driving environmental collapse? Nope. But that hasn't stopped politicians, filmmakers, and comic book villains from making the claim. We consider the real-world consequences of two centuries of overpopulation concerns Ch. 5: Overpopulation or overproduction? Marx vs. Malthus - International Marxist Radio - Air Date 5-31-23 Is human population growth to blame for poverty and climate change? Plenty of pundits and politicians on the right and left alike seem to think so. Knowingly or not, they repeat the reactionary ideas of the Reverend Thomas Malthus Overpopulation and pronatalism, the role of humane education in turning the tide on human population issues, the effects of overpopulation on people, wildlife, and wild places, and simple, practical, humane solutions to the population crisis Ch. 7: The Dangerous Myth of Overpopulation - The Wild Life - Air Date 4-8-21 Welcome to part 1 of Us, an ongoing series examining our connections and impact on the environment, sustainability, and our changing climate. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) We discuss the role that libertarian, techno-fundamentalist, anti-choice think tanks have played in fueling anti-Science propaganda on overpopulation denialism, and why these forces must be vehemently opposed for a more just and sustainable planet. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments on the philosophical question behind the overpopulation debate MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1570_Overpopulation_Air_Date_7-8-23_General_-_7-8-23_18.17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:37pm EDT |
Thu, 6 July 2023
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get 20% Off Membership in July!) Original Air Date: 1/2/2018 Today we take a look at a few different visions of what the future holds for our labor market and some policies we should be putting in place to set the scene for the coming evolution of work Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Show NotesAct 1: The future of work in a world of artificial intelligence - Ideas - Air Date 9-12-17 Act 2: Robots Causing Wealth Inequality? - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 04-28-17 Act 3: A 15 Hour Work Week Would Save the Planet - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 07-26-17 Act 4: Demanding a future of full automation and a post-work world - Ideas - Air Date 9-26-17 Act 5: Designing the future of jobs and economics - Freakonomics - Air Date 4-20-17 Act 6: Ai-jen Poo on the caretaker jobs of the future - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 11-13-17 (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions & Free Music Archive) Action Resources/Further Reading Public Predictions for the Future of Workforce Automation (Pew Research Center, 2016) A World Without Work (The Atlantic, 2015) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com 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
Direct download: 1155_Leisure_Desperation_or_a_Reorientation_The_Future_of_Work_General_-_7-6-23_19.49.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00pm EDT |
Tue, 4 July 2023
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get 20% Off Membership in July!) Air Date 7/4/2023 Today, we take a look at the difference between the kind of political messaging that feels like the right thing to say and the reframed messages that actually get political results that allow for progressive policies to get passed. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Why Behind The What with Gretchen Barton - How We Win - Air Date 6-21-23 Gretchen Barton, founder of Worthy Strategy Group, is a researcher and strategist who spends most of her time going inside the minds of American voters, and shares her unique perspective and insights with us! Ch. 2: Winning a Trifecta with Mike Lux - How We Win - Air Date 5-31-23 And joining us for our interview to urge us all into action to win in 2024, is a democratic campaign veteran and progressive media trailblazer, the one and only Mike Lux! Ch. 3: Winning Messages Anat Shenker-Osorio - Future Hindsight - Air Date 4-13-23 Anat Shenker-Osorio is a renowned communications researcher and campaign advisor, the host of Words to Win By, and the Principal of ASO Communications. Why can't the Democratic Party message as well as the Republican Party? Ken Weber and his son Daryl Weber explain how the left can finally win if they use these rules on messaging that the GOP uses every single time. Ch. 5: A Dmitri Rebuttal by Messaging Expert Anat Shenker-Osorio - Deconstructed - Air Date 6-2-23 Grim and Shenker-Osorio discuss why certain messages do well and others fail, why reframing the debate is essential, and how to craft messages that resonate and win. Ch. 6: How Democrats can win Working-Class Voters - Start Making Sense - Air Date 6-21-23 Katie Rader joins the Start Making Sense podcast to discuss the issues that are most likely to mobilize them. Ch. 7: Winning Messages Anat Shenker-Osorio - Future Hindsight - Air Date 4-13-23 Anat Shenker-Osorio is a renowned communications researcher and campaign advisor, the host of Words to Win By, and the Principal of ASO Communications. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 8: Why Behind The What with Gretchen Barton Part 2 - How We Win - Air Date 6-21-23 Discussing the politics of Florida Ch. 9: Why Behind The What with Gretchen Barton Part 3 - How We Win - Air Date 6-21-23 Looking at the messaging hurdles women face when running for president FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments launching our overdue membership drive MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: Photo of a three-dimensional museum sign hanging on a wrought iron bracket that reads “The People’s Story.” A sculpted person holding a rolled-up newspaper and calling out with one hand cupped to his mouth sits above the words. Credit: “People’s Story” by Alan Levine, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1569_Messaging_Air_Date_7-4-23_General_-_7-4-23_14.22.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:33pm EDT |
Sat, 1 July 2023
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss: - Marriage and christianity collapsing - Free lunches for kids - Neo-nazis doing pushups at Pride - The assault on no-fault divorce - Hannah Gadsby's wedding cake REFERENCES: Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts! |
Wed, 28 June 2023
Original Air Date 6/11/2022 Today we take a look at the reasons why Democrats lost rural America and why it's important to make gains outside urban centers through working-class coalitions and a focus on the policy failures of unchecked Republicanism. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Democrats used to win elections in rural areas, but that seems like a distant memory now. This week, Zach is joined by Bill Hogseth, a political organizer from rural Wisconsin, to talk about the difference between making promises and delivering change Ch. 2: Can Democrats Win in Rural America? - Deconstructed - Air Date 6-4-22 Maine state Sen. Chloe Maxmin tackles one of the most pressing problems confronting the modern Democratic Party: how to reverse its decades-long backslide in rural support. Maxmin and her co-author and campaign manager Canyon Woodward join Ryan Grim Ch. 3: How Democrats Lost Rural America w/ Anthony Flaccavento Part 1 - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 3-24-22 Anthony Flaccavento, Virginia-based farmer, author, and co-founder of the Rural-Urban Bridge Initiative, joins the Jacobin Show to discuss rural America—and why the Democrats lose so consistently in rural elections. Ch. 4: Joe Shepherd of United Rural Democrats - The Rick Smith Show - Air Date 5-9-22 By working people. For working people. Welcome to The Rick Smith Show. Ch. 5: How Democrats Lost Rural America w/ Anthony Flaccavento Part 2 - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 3-24-22 Anthony Flaccavento, Virginia-based farmer, author, and co-founder of the Rural-Urban Bridge Initiative, joins the Jacobin Show to discuss rural America—and why the Democrats lose so consistently in rural elections. Former OHIO Democratic party chair David Pepper On Why We Need to Focus on State Capitols to Save Democracy, and why we all need to do our part to lift it up. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) On Reality Asserts Itself, Thomas Frank, author of “What’s the Matter with Kansas” and “Listen, Liberal”, tells host Paul Jay that the Democratic Party serves the professional class and the top 10% and no longer cares about the poor or working class. Ch. 8: The New Democrats w/ Lily Geismer - The Dig - Air Date 6-5-22 Dan’s second episode with historian Lily Geismer, who he interviewed in 2019 about Don’t Blame Us: Suburban Liberals and the Transformation of the Democratic Party. This interview is on Left Behind: The Democrats’ Failed Attempt to Solve Inequality FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments on the ignoring the middle class and poor open the door to right-wing populism of the worst sort MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: Photo of a blue, dented, and rusted mailbox on a spike leaning against an old wooden fence. Its flag is down, indicating no mail. Thick, golden tall grass grows behind it against a blue sky. Credit: "Rural America" by Kris Notaro, Flickr | License CC by 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, slight increase in brightness and saturation
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1495_Rural_America_and_Democrats_Air_Date_6-11-22_General_-_6-27-23_22.46.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:06am EDT |
Sun, 25 June 2023
Air Date 6/25/2023 Today, we take a look at the state of the religious right as declining religiosity and the looming 2024 election put a strain on the movement. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Brad and Dan being by discussing Trump's indictment on federal charges. They then break down the life and death of Pat Robertson - an architect of the Religious Right and someone whose influence resounds in American Christian nationalism today Ch. 3: How Rapture Theology Shaped America (Part 2) - The Holy Post - Air Date 5-10-23 How did a theological system that rejected Christian participation in politics eventually give birth to the Religious Right? Phil talks to historian Daniel Hummel about the spread of rapture theology in the 20th century Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman discuss a rally Donald Trump hosted over the weekend, where he mixes the rapture of fervent religious followers with the QAnon conspiracy set to lure people with the sweet siren sounds of fascism. Ch. 5: DeSantis Tries To Attack Trump on Abortion - The Damage Report - Air Date 6-19-23 Ron DeSantis attacks Trump on his abortion stance. John Iadarola and Brett Erlich break it down on The Damage Report. About 20 years ago, 70 percent of Americans belonged to one of those houses of worship. Today, it’s 47 percent. While that doesn’t mean a majority of Americans are areligious, the share of religiously unaffiliated Americans has also been increasing MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 7: Is Religion Dead? - Wisecrack - Air Date 6-9-23 Philosophy and religion might seem as incompatible as peanut butter and raw garlic. But what if understanding religion from a philosophical perspective could actually illuminate some of our deepest cultural and social values? Ch. 8: How My Christian Faith Fell Apart | A Case Study of DECONSTRUCTION - Sara Martin - Air Date 8-26-20 How does someone go from a faith-filled follower of Jesus to no longer identifying as a Christian? In this video, I share my personal story of how my faith fell apart and demonstrate how, step by step, a person’s relationship with Jesus can unravel. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments on the enduring support for Trump by the evangelical right MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) God's Playground - Nathanael Christy
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1568_Religious_Right_Air_Date_6-25-23_General_-_6-24-23_19.00.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00am EDT |
Fri, 23 June 2023
Original Air Date 2-5-2019 Today we take a look at the history of FDR's "Four Freedoms" and "Economic Bill of Rights" that laid the groundwork for the fight for economic freedom for all that continues to this day. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Harvey Kaye, "The Fight for the Four Freedoms" - Book TV - Air Date 5-11-14 Harvey Kaye examines the progressivism of the Roosevelt-era and argues that a reminder of the "four freedoms" could address today's political and social issues. Ch. 2: What Ted Cruz Doesn't Get About 'Freedom' - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 7-21-16 Thom talks about Ted Cruz's speech at the Republican Convention and compares his definition of 'freedom' with the way it was described by Franklin D. Roosevelt. Ch. 3: An Overdue Second Bill of Rights Part 1 - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-7-18 F.D.R. recognized that the original bill of rights would not be enough to make all American’s truly free and proposed an economic bill of rights. Of the eight amendments he proposed in 1944, seven are still waiting to be implemented. Ch. 4: Fighting for the Four Freedoms - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 4-15-14 Historian Harvey J. Kaye talks about how FDR was able to mobilize Americans to create "the strongest and most prosperous country in human history." Explaining that libertarian thinking doesn't incorporate the existence of economic coercion Ch. 6: An Overdue Second Bill of Rights Part 2 - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-7-18 Ch. 7: Bernie Sanders & FDR's Second Bill of Rights - Berniementum - Air Date 8-12-15 President FDR's Second Bill of Rights speech - January 11, 1944 Sen. Bernie Sanders speech at the National Press Club - Mar. 9, 2015 Music - "There is Romance" by Imcompetech University of Wisconsin Professor Harvey J Kaye author of Fight for the Four Freedoms: What Made FDR and the Greatest Generation Truly Great, explains Ronald Reagan and the great pushback against a progressive America Ch. 9: An Overdue Second Bill of Rights Part 3 - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-7-18 MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | 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: 1247_The_Fight_for_the_Four_Freedoms_FDR_vs._Libertarianism_General_-_6-22-23_20.40.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:24am EDT |
Wed, 21 June 2023
Air Date 6/20/2023 Today, we take a look at the story of how neoliberalism was born, how corporations were organized to help push it into the mainstream, and how the courts were reshaped to permanently tilt the rules in favor of corporate power. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Chile, Neoliberalism and the CIA - AJ+ - Air Date 11-29-19 This is the story of how Chile came to be called the “neoliberal laboratory of the world’ ... and it even involves the CIA. Ch. 2: The Powell Memo. Corporate America's Call to Arms. - Unf*cking The Republic - Air Date 2-9-23 Today’s episode discusses the nature of the memo, the inspiration for it and details its prescriptive elements. Ch. 3: How the Corporate Takeover of American Politics Began - Robert Reich - Air Date 12-13-22 In 1976, I watched as thousands of corporate lobbyists descended on Washington. Fast forward to today, and lobbying has become a $3.7 billion dollar industry. It all began with the Powell Memo. Ch. 4: Greed Is Rotting America From The Inside Out - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 7-29-22 The GOP has become a rotting corpse, politically, infested with maggots & defended by wealthy vultures. It has only one true principle, greed, & is determined to reinvent America in greed’s image Ch. 5: Economic False Prophets Part 1 - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-10-23 Ralph welcomes New York Times reporter, Binyamin Applebaum, author of “The Economists' Hour: False Prophets, Free Markets, and the Fracture of Society” Ch. 6: What has Greed Cost America - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 10-28-14 Thom Hartmann begins a conversation about how greed has destroyed the American economy. Ch. 7: Economic False Prophets Part 2 - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-10-23 MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 8: Wall Street's ESG Scam EXPLAINED - Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar - Air Date 6-16-22 Krystal and Saagar are joined by researcher and policy analyst Ron Ivey to better understand the wall street ESG scam being investigated by regulators for its deceptive practices Ch. 9: Anti-Capitalist Investing Is... Absurd — Jen Pan - Jacobin - Air Date 6-11-22 Jen Pan explains why the new trend of "anti-capitalist investing" is just elite charity with another name, and only helps maintain the power of elites over everyone else's lives. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on the next revolution in values we need MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1567_Greed_is_Good_Generation_Air_Date_6-20-23_General_-_6-20-23_21.10.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:11am EDT |
Mon, 19 June 2023
Air Date: 6-17-23 REFERENCES: The billionaire’s guide to self-help
Produced by:
Direct download: Bonus_Show_272_Sample_-_6-15-23_21.04.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am EDT |
Sun, 18 June 2023
Original Air Date 4/13/2022 Today we take a look at the mainstreaming of crypto and NFTs by celebrity endorsements, why they're terrible by nearly any metric and why they are emblematic of our broken culture. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Line Goes Up – The Problem With NFTs - Folding Ideas - Air Date 1-21-22 If someone pitches you on a "great" Web3 project, ask them if it requires buying or selling crypto to do what they say it does. Ch. 2: NFTS and Celebrities: A Match Made in Hell? - Wisecrack - Air Date 4-4-22 How did NFTs become the new Coca-Cola? NFTs are everywhere, nowhere more so than on the lips of celebrities. But why are celebrities getting into the world of crypto? And what can the rise of celebrities endorsing NFTs tell us about our society? Bennett and Cas are joined by Ben McKenzie and Jacob Silverman who discuss the ideas behind their upcoming book about cryptocurrency, their issues with celebrity shilling of speculative assets, and how it really feels like corporate greed Ch. 4: Why Scams Are Inherent To Cryptocurrency - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 3-27-22 Explaining the systemic reasons why the features of crypto are so amenable to scams Ch. 5: Can Our Climate Survive Bitcoin? - Reveal - Air Date 3-25-22 Bitcoin’s demand for electricity is so great that it’s giving new life to the dirtiest type of power plants: ones that burn coal. In Hardin, Montana, the coal-fired power plant was on the verge of shutting down until bitcoin came to town. Crypto specialist, Dan Olson, shares his takes on NFTs and explains pieces from his insanely popular video, "Line Goes Up – The Problem With NFTs." John Iadarola and Dan Olson break it down on The Damage Report. Ch. 7: The Crypto Grift Descends on Ukraine - Scam Economy - Air Date 3-17-22 Matt Binder breaks down how grifting cryptocurrency founders, entrepreneurs, investors, and hustlers are trying to pump their money-making schemes for a profit and generate good PR for the crypto industry under the guise of charity for Ukraine. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on how people, myself included, get scammed MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1482_Crypto_and_NFT_Air_Date_4-13-22_General_Repost_-_6-15-23_13.37.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Thu, 15 June 2023
Original Air Date 2-2-2020 Today we take a look at the relationship between fear, anger and how to deal with the structural forces of harm in our society. To help us, we examine two of the greatest thinkers of the past 65 years, Martin Luther King Jr. and Mister Rogers, and go beyond the nonviolence of King and interrogate Mr. Roger's insistence on liking everyone just the way they are. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: W. Kamau Bell on coming face to face with white supremacists - Finding Fred - Air Date 11-26-19 Empathy can be found when you understand what circumstances people came from Reformed neo-Nazi and author Christian Picciolini explains how white nationalists target vulnerable online communities Ch. 3: The dubious luxury of anger - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 6-24-17 Understanding the fear that underlies anger. Ch. 4: Help the Helpers: Evil cannot withstand forgiveness - Finding Fred - Air Date 12-17-19 On being your best self. On the least of these. On the virtues of a cup of tea. Ch. 5: Help the Helpers: But forgiveness can be complicated - Finding Fred - Air Date 12-17-19 You can't be nice to everyone because being nice to certain people is inherently cruel to others. Ch. 6: Anger and forgiveness as a survival strategy - In The Thick - Air Date 10-4-19 Discussing the conviction and sentencing of Amber Guyger, the Dallas police officer who shot and killed her black neighbor, Botham Shem Jean Ch. 7: Forgiveness in the #MeToo era - Interfaith Voices - Air Date 6-24-18 Many faith traditions emphasize the importance of forgiveness. But in the context of the #MeToo movement, can forgiveness silence women who have been abused? Ch. 8: Why Do Black People Always Have to Forgive? - The Real News - Air Date 10-4-19 As Botham Jean’s brother makes headlines for “forgiving” Amber Guyger, Real News hosts Jacqueline Luqman and Lisa Snowden-McCray to discuss what Christian forgiveness in the face of oppression means. Ch. 9: Why accountability matters for faith-based forgiveness - Interfaith Voices - Air Date 7-13-18 Serene Jones says deep forgiveness is actually part of a larger process of seeking justice and accountability. Ch. 10: The art and science of apologies and forgiveness Commentary - Best of the Left - Air Date 3-23-19 Final comments on strength, power, fragility, apologies, forgiveness and the legacy of the Confederacy Ch. 11: Help the Helpers: Grace - Finding Fred - Air Date 12-17-19 Grace is to focus on the humanity of others than to see them as monsters. Ch. 12: Help the Helpers: The fear and hurt that gets in the way - Finding Fred - Air Date 12-17-19 The difficulty of focusing on helping the needy rather than punishing the dangerous Ch. 13: Van Jones: Why Casting “Bigots” Out Doesn’t Move America Forward - Big Think - Air Date 12-6-17 There is a limit to empathy, you cannot tolerate the intolerant for too long—but having empathy for those who interpret change as scary, and understanding why they think that way, maybe the only inroad to untying this great mess. Ch. 14: The birth of the Black Power Movement - King in the Wilderness (HBO) - Air Date 4-2-18 The story of King's reaction to the rise of the Black Power movement and the roles of anger, fear and sickness FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 15: Final comments on the various sicknesses infecting our society MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1333_An_Examination_of_Fear_Anger_Forgiveness_and_Grace_Also_Mr._Rogers_General_-_6-15-23_12.24.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Wed, 14 June 2023
Air Date 6/13/2023 Today, we take a look at the struggle to act ethically, at least by our own measure if there's not a universally-agreed standard to compare with, relating to the purchase of both the necessities of life we all need as well as the more luxury items that get added on top. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: No ethical consumption under capitalism: short deep dive - @professor_neil - Air Date 4-13-23 Origin of "no ethical consumption under capitalism" What once was a statement of fact, now has been taken as an excuse to essentially be a consumer without even thinking about the ethics involved of what you were buying. Ch. 3: "Separating Art vs. the Artist" doesn't work for Harry Potter - Kuncan Dastner - Air Date 4-14-22 Secrets of Dumbledore and Hogwarts Legacy aren't enough to save this franchise Alternate thoughts on the ethics of consumption within capitalism Ch. 5: Ethical Consumption - Pullback - Air Date 3-7-23 So, there’s no ethical consumption under capitalism. Does that mean there’s no value to movements like slow fashion, eating local, and Fairtrade? This is a conversation about how and why The Good Place exists and what it reflects about The Odd Place in which we actually live. Unlike a lot of conversations about moral philosophy, this one is a lot of fun. Ch. 7: Ethical Capitalism: Is It Possible? - Wise Crack - Air Date 7-19-21 We live in an era of increased skepticism towards capitalism. But is participating in capitalism inherently antithetical to living an ethical life? Or is it possible to act ethically within a capitalist system? A video essay on modern day ethics as discussed in the Netflix show The Good Place. Focusing in particular on the notion of ethical consumerism and individuality from a sociological perspective. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: Conscious Consumerism: Does it make a difference - Roundtable - Air Date 7-10-19 Conscious consumerism focuses on making positive decisions throughout the buying process, with the intention of helping to balance some of the negative impacts that consumerism has on the planet. My 17 yr-old and I have noticed an unsettling trend on social media: folks choosing to take the concept of "No ethical consumption under capitalism" as a license to give up when it comes to trying to make ethical purchases for our bodies and our homes. VOICEMAILS Ch. 11: Response to cohousing episode FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on why people being misled into unethical behavior gives me hope MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: White text in a funky font says “There is no ethical consumption under capitalism.” in quotation marks on a black background. Credit: Design by A. Hoffman using "BM Kirang Haerang" font.
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1566_Consumption_Under_Capitalism_Air_Date_6-13-23_General_-_6-13-23_20.58.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:16am EDT |
Sat, 10 June 2023
Air Date 6/10/2023 Today, we take a look at the emerging trend of various community housing styles people are using to build community, fight loneliness and lighten the load of everyday chores and tasks. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Trish is the owner of StorySpring Consulting and Director of Community Engagement at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work. Ch. 2: Katie McCamant of CoHousing Solutions Part 1 - Transforming Cities - Air Date 8-24-22 On this episode, I’m speaking with Katie McCamant, President at CoHousing Solutions. Katie brings the depth and diversity of her 35 years of experience as a developer, architect, and cohousing resident to benefit her clients. Ch. 3: Cohousing communities help prevent social isolation - PBS Newshour - Air Date 2-12-17 Groups in Denmark and the U.S. are choosing to live in intentionally intergenerational communities, which emerged to strengthen social ties between aging seniors and their younger counterparts who are balancing work and family. Ch. 4: Katie McCamant of CoHousing Solutions Part 2 - Transforming Cities - Air Date 8-24-22 Cohousing communities are collaborative neighborhoods created with intention and a little ingenuity. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 7: Jack Kerouac's boarding house now co-living for creatives - Kirsten Dirksen - Air Date 11-7-20 Sara McEre bought the former 19th-century boarding house in San Luis Obispo (CA), it was rundown. Instead of converting it to apartments for a profit, she turned it into a communal living residence for 19 like-minded individuals. Ch. 8: Microgrid energy and community cohousing - Local Zero - 5-4-22 We hear from Andy O’Brien from the Bristol Energy Cooperative, and Monica King from Bridport Cohousing in Dorset. Ch. 9: Katie McCamant of CoHousing Solutions Part 3 - Transforming Cities - Air Date 8-24-22 FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on a couple of undervalued benefits of cohousing MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: A photograph of a winding path through a colorful, close-together neighborhood of houses with children's toys and flowers on the grass. Credit: "Cohousing" by Joy Cross, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, increased saturation and contrast Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1565_CoHousing_Air_Date_6-10-23_General_-_6-9-23_16.35.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm EDT |
Thu, 8 June 2023
Original Air Date 1-22-2019 Today we take a look at socialism in America from our often violent response to the concept in the wake of the Russian Revolution through the recent revival in interest, driven primarily by the younger generation today Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Red Dawn Americans and the Bolshevik Revolution - @BackStory - Air Date 11-9-17 One hundred years ago, Vladimir Lenin and his Bolshevik Party seized power in a revolution that would change the world. Today we explore how that distant revolution had an immediate impact in the United States. Ch. 2: What the Russian Revolution Proved Possible - Empire Files - Air Date 12-18-17 To understand the context of this first socialist experiment, how it happened and what caused the many problems it faced, Abby Martin sits down with Brian Becker, a long-time socialist organizer. Ch. 3: America’s Unofficial Religion - The War On An Idea Part 1 - Empire Files - Air Date 11-27-17 Everyone in the United States knows that “socialist” or “communist” is considered a bad word. How did things get that way? Abby Martin explores the history of anti-communism in America and the heavy repression of an idea that became an unofficial religion Ch. 4: "Socialism" in the Air - On the Media - Air Date 7-27-18 The word "socialism" has been trending, appearing on op-ed pages, FOX News, ABC's The View and beyond. In this word watch, Bob speaks with another self-described socialist, Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan Robinson Ch. 5: Americans are ready for socialism - @ThisIsHellRadio - Air Date 3-13-18 Columnist Elizabeth Bruenig looks beyond the failures of liberalism, to the possibilities of socialism. Elizabeth wrote the op-ed “It’s time to give socialism a try” at the Washington Post. In this interview with Professor of Economics Emeritus (University of Massachusetts), Marxist economist and founder of Democracy at Work, Richard D. Wolff, we talk to him about Capitalism and Socialism. Ch. 7: Why Are People Talking About Socialism? with Paul Jay - @TheRealNews - Air Date 1-2-19 Explaining why socialisms time may have come - the failures of capitalism Prof. Richard Wolff explains some tenets of how a modern socialists system could work Ch. 9: America’s Unofficial Religion The War On An Idea Part 2 - Empire Files - Air Date 11-27-17 Capitalism can no longer compare itself with the dysfunctional Soviet Union but can only be compared to itself and it's failures MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com 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: 1243_The_story_of_Socialism_in_America_General_-_6-8-23_16.52.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:31pm EDT |
Wed, 7 June 2023
Air Date 6/6/2023 Today, we take a look at the widespread impact of marketing on culture, consumerism, transportation, food, gender roles, and gun ownership in the United States. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Our Consumer Society - Then & Now - Air Date 6-9-22 I explore our consumer society, looking at the history, philosophy, psychology, and sociology of what consumerism really means. Is it a useful concept? Where did it appear from? Are there alternatives? Ch. 2: Would You Fall for It? - Not Just Bikes - Air Date 1-9-23 In the 1950s, the US automobile industry was lobbying hard to get more funding for roads and highways. Part of this effort included propaganda targeted to the general public. Ch. 3: How The Auto Industry Carjacked The American Dream - Climate Town - Air Date 4-8-21 Based on an article by Spencer R. Scott P.h.D. Ch. 4: How Backyard Grilling Conquered America - Cheddar Explains - Air Date 5-19-20 Backyard grilling is an American institution. But have you ever wondered where it came from? You might be surprised to learn that the history of your weekend barbecue twists and turns back through the earliest years of America’s past. Ch. 5: WOKE BRANDS - hbomberguy - Air Date 2-22-19 Can a product be truly progressive? How can I free my skin? Let's discuss! Ch. 6: Men Eat Red Meat, Women Eat Salads –– But Why? - Cool Stuff Ride Home - Air Date 10-26-22 How and why did food become so gendered? Y’know, men eat red meat and women eat salads. When did those associations begin? Just like tobacco companies targeted kids to create a market of “replacement smokers,” so do gun manufacturers. Boys as young as 6 are targeted with ads conflating guns with masculinity so that by the time they turn 18, the seed has been planted. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 8: These Stupid Trucks are Literally Killing Us - Not Just Bikes - Air Date 3-6-23 Engineers, planners, politicians, and advocates all around the world are trying to improve their cities and build more great walkable places with viable alternatives to driving. But there's a looming trend that could undo all of that hard work "Beef. It’s what’s for dinner," the baritone voices of actors Robert Mitchum and Sam Elliott told us in the 1990s. "We’re not gonna let Joe Biden and Kamala Harris cut America’s meat!" cried Mike Pence during a speech in Iowa last year. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on the counterweight to the power of marketing MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: A 1930s print car ad shows an illustration of a large silver Pontiac car with nicely dressed couples admiring the outside. The tagline reads “If you want to ride in luxury and save your money, too… Pontiac’s the Answer”. Some ad copy is visible below the image in small unreadable text. Credit: “Pontiac Car 1938 Ad” by Indiana Ivy Nature Photographer, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, some left-side color extended Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1564_Marketing_Air_Date_6-6-23_General_-_6-6-23_20.47.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:13am EDT |
Mon, 5 June 2023
Original Air Date: 5-31-23 REFERENCES: This writer brilliantly explains to Bill Maher why millennials refuse to grow up
Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Produced by: |
Sun, 4 June 2023
Air Date 6/3/2023 Today, we take a look at the dynamics at play between our immigration and labor policies that lead to the exploitation of children in dangerous and deadly jobs. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Why Child Labor in America is Skyrocketing Part 1 - Robert Reich - Air Date 5-16-23 Corporations are now using the “labor shortage” as an excuse to bring back child labor. It’s part of a horrifying trend: Since 2015, child labor violations have risen nearly 300%. Iowa’s extreme child labor bill began in the office of Gov. Kim Reynolds and was written by top corporate lobbyists. Ch. 3: The Child Labor Crisis In America Part 1 - Fresh Air - Air Date 5-4-23 Tonya Mosley spoke with New York Times investigative reporter Hannah Dreier, who has been reporting on the children, and Washington Post business reporter Jacob Bogage, who has been reporting on conservative campaign to weaken child labor laws NBC News Reporter Julia Ainsley reports on the accusation of PSSI using child migrant labor in Nebraska meatpacking plant. Ch. 5: Inside the Conservative Campaign to Relax Child Labor Laws - Amanpour and Company - Air Date 4-27-23 In a recent article, Washington Post reporter Jacob Bogage explains how campaigners are cloaking these rollbacks under cover of "parental rights." Bogage joins Hari Sreenivasan to discuss why conservatives appear willing to put children at risk. We detail how uncritical acceptance by centrist––and even liberal––media that the US is seeing an unprecedented "labor shortage" is helping justify repealing child labor protections in roughly a dozen states. Ch. 7: The Child Labor Crisis In America Part 2 - Fresh Air - Air Date 5-4-23 Our guest Hannah Dreier, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter at _The New York Times_, has published a bombshell new investigation headlined "As Migrant Children Were Put to Work, U.S. Ignored Warnings." We speak with the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Hannah Dreier, We are also joined by Gregory Chen, senior director of government relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Ch. 10: Why Child Labor in America is Skyrocketing Part 2 - Robert Reich - Air Date 5-16-23 MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 13: Final comments on what child labor shows us about the ongoing debate within the GOP MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: Colorized historic photo of Addie Card, a 12-year-old blonde girl in a smock with bare feet posing in front of machinery at a textile mill in 1910 where she worked. Her expression is neutral. Credit: “Addie Card, 12 years old. Spinner in cotton mill, North Pownal, Vermont, 1910” by by Lewis W. Hine via the Metropolitan Museum of New York. Processed and colorized by Kelly Short using Gimp 2.6.11 | License: Public Domain Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1563_Child_Labor_Air_Date_6-3-23_General_-_6-3-23_20.19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:27am EDT |
Thu, 1 June 2023
Original Air Date 8-2-2011 Today we take a hard look at the debt ceiling debate of 2011 because we’re going through the exact same thing right now with only a few of the names changed Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Debt Ceiling Fight Is Fake - Young Turks - Air Date 6-20-11 Ch. 2: Debt Ceiling Hypocrisy - Jim Hightower - Air Date: 7-11-11 Ch. 3: Armadebtdon 2011: National Bullshit Ceiling - The Daily Show - Air Date 7-18-11 Ch. 4: Lincoln, the 14th amendment and full faith and credit of the U.S. - Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date: 7-26-11 Ch. 5: Media covering Obama and the debt negotiation - Counterspin - Air Date 7-28-11 Ch. 6: Rhetoric Surrounding Debt Ceiling Debate Gets Ridiculous - Media Matters - Air Date 7-12-11 Ch. 7: Debt to America! - The Bugle - Air Date 7-28-11 Ch. 8: Manufactured crises get solved easily and cynically - Common Sense - Air Date 7-20-11 Ch. 9: Who's lying more? - On the Media - Air Date 7-29-11 MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 514_The_manufactured_debt_crisis_General_-_6-1-23_15.45.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:50pm EDT |
Mon, 29 May 2023
Air Date 5/29/2023 Today, we take a look at some of the fundamental problems with our education system and explore alternatives to spark ideas for improvement. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Do schools kill creativity? | Sir Ken Robinson - TED - Air Date 1-6-07 Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity. Ch. 2: The Problem With American Education - Second Thought - Air Date 3-9-21 Americans from across the political spectrum tend to agree that our education system is failing our students. In this episode, we'll take a look at three of the biggest problems the system faces, and consider some possible solutions. What are the principles of Montessori education? How does it compare to other educational approaches? And how does it relate to Rand’s philosophy? Join Sam Weaver for an interview with Dr. Matt Bateman to explore answers to these questions. Ch. 4: The Secret Power of Homeschoolers - VICE News - Air Date 10-12-22 Homeschooling exploded when the COVID-19 pandemic pushed students online. But even though schools have reopened, many kids aren’t going back. VICE News investigates why families are opting out, and what happens to the institution of public school. Ch. 5: Why Black Parents are Choosing to Homeschool Their Kids - Amanpour and Company - Air Date 6-18-21 Homeschooling among Black families increased by 500% last year, reflecting an increasing trend across America. One that is especially pronounced in communities of color. Ch. 6: Teaching in the US vs. the rest of the world - Vox - Air Date 1-11-20 Teachers in America have a uniquely tough job. But it doesn't have to be that way. Ch. 7: Happy Finnish: Why Finland is the country to copy - The Bunker - Air Date 1-14-23 Finland is the happiest country on earth. What can we learn from this Nordic nation? How is its education, health care and housing systems different to ours? Ch. 8: Pasi Sahlberg: lessons from Finnish education - Social Europe Podcast - Air Date 2-7-22 Around the world, education 'reforms' have made schooling more market-mimicking and competitive, rendering education a 'club good' for the better off. Finland shows how treating education as a public good brings better student performance overall MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Sierra Allen quit school at 8 years old, and two decades later she still stands by that decision. In this conversation, I get an introduction to the unschooling philosophy that made this possible. Ch. 10: Boundless Life with Suzanne Perkowsky - Education on Fire - Air Date 3-12-23 Suzanne Perkowsky is the Head of Academics at Boundless Life. She was the co-founder of New Nordic Schools, a Finnish education development company that created the Nordic Baccalaureate based on the Finnish education system. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on why it's possible to improve an education system without replacing it MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE Description: Photo of an empty classroom, rows of desks with blue, red and green chairs and a large blackboard on the back wall. Sunlight is shining in from unseen windows. Credit: “UF Norman Hall Desks Classroom” by Christopher Sessums, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, increased brightness, contrast & saturation Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1562_Education_Air_Date_5-29-23_General_-_5-29-23_20.07.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:59pm EDT |
Thu, 25 May 2023
Original Air Date 5-15-2015 Today we take a hard look at modern-day civilization and culture and ponder what we could do to make things better Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Show NotesAct 1: The Death of Culture at the Hands of the Profit Motive - @majorityfm - Air Date: 01-20-15 Act 3: .@ShawnAchor - The happy secret to better work - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 2-1-12 Act 4: A Brief History of Humankind - @DecodeDC - Air Date: 4-30-15 Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com 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
Direct download: 922_A_crisis_of_culture_and_capitalism_Throwback_General_-_5-25-23_15.22.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:41pm EDT |
Tue, 23 May 2023
Air Date 5/23/2023 Today, instead of focusing on the problem, we take a look at the growing activism around the crisis of gun violence. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: ExpressVPN.com/BestOfTheLeft GET INTERNET PRIVACY WITH EXPRESS VPN! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Perspectives on Activism Gun Violence - Hope College - Air Date 3-2-23 We know that not all individuals present will call themselves activists, but we hope the audience can apply what they learn to other areas of their lives. David Hogg, who helped start March For Our Lives after surviving the 2018 Parkland shooting, joins John Dickerson to discuss how to keep momentum behind the fight for gun control. Ch. 3: Fred Guttenberg on gun control ‘stop listening to the liars’ - MSNBC - Air Date 5-11-23 Parkland shooting victim’s father Fred Guttenberg joins Ana Cabrera ahead of his meeting with Senate Democrats on gun violence and the path forward as mass shootings remain a constant threat in America. Reinstated state lawmaker Justin Jones talks about Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s new executive order on strengthening background checks after Jones was expelled from the state’s legislature for participating in a rally for more gun laws. Ch. 5: The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence (Community Matters) - ThinkTech Hawaii - Air Date 8-18-22 What Can we Do to Help it in its Efforts. The host for this show is Jay Fidell. The guest is Erin Davis. Ch. 6: Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts on recent victories - MSNBC - Air Date 1-15-23 Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts joins Cori Coffin to discuss recent breakthroughs for gun control advocates in New York and Illinois, even as the nation continues to see tragedies. Ch. 7: Peace Makers canvassing Lynchburg Neighborhood where teen was shot - WSLS 10 - Air Date 4-16-23 Speaking with ex-gang members now working with the Peacemakers organization Lisa Geller joins John Yang to discuss the impact of age-restriction legislation is having in states that already have age restrictions on purchasing firearms in place. Ch. 9: Perspectives on Activism Gun Violence Part 2 - Hope College - Air Date 3-2-23 MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 10: Moms come together to call for gun reform on Mother’s Day - MSNBC - Air Date 5-15-23 This Mother’s Day a group of moms banded together to demand comprehensive gun reform and they are calling on the general public to help amplify their message. We speak with Serbian journalist Ljiljana Smajlović as Serbia reels from a pair of mass shootings that left 17 people dead, incidents that spurred mass protests and demands for stronger gun control. VOICEMAILS Ch. 12: Immigrating breaks social ties - Erin from (Just Outside) Philadelphia FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 13: Final comments on how homophobia impedes male friendships MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE Description: Protestors in red shirts gather on the lawn in front of the U.S. Capitol building holding a large red sign that says “Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense in America” Credit: “Gathering before RALLY FOR SENATE ACTION ON GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION at the US Capitol Grounds” by Elbert Barnes | License CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1561_Gun_Activism_Air_Date_5-23-23_General_-_5-23-23_16.34.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:58pm EDT |
Thu, 18 May 2023
Original Air Date 2/17/2017 Today we look at the state of the corporate-controlled media in the age of Trump, how you can navigate those murky waters, and what we can do to make it better. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Show NotesCh. 1: Diversify your news - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 11-24-16 Ch. 2: Spicer vs. the Interns - On the Media - Air Date 1-27-17 Ch. 3: Is Donald Trump good for journalism? - The Inquiry - Air Date 2-13-17 Ch. 4: Keep Going Back to Substance and the Truth - On the Media - Air Date 1-27-17 Ch. 5: Is 'Biased News' More Destructive Than Fake News? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-23-16 Ch. 6: Ned Beatty's NETWORK speech-by Paddy Chayefsky Activism: TAKE ACTION Go to FAIR.org to get Action Alerts and become a “media activist” Check out FAIR’s Media Activism Kit Subscribe to FAIR’s CounterSpin podcast Member of the media? Check out FAIR’s Media Advisories EDUCATE YOURSELF NYT’s False Choice for Democrats: Move to the Right or Divide by Race (FAIR) Jessica Gonzalez on FCC Chair Ajit Pai (FAIR's CounterSpin) Scrutiny for Supreme Court Pick Fails to Focus on Rights of Disabled (FAIR) ACTION ALERT: WaPo’s Post Live Series Is a Love Letter to Corporate Conflicts of Interest (FAIR) Trump’s Inauguration and the Legitimacy Fetish (FAIR) Daily Kos Founder Gleefully Celebrates Coal Miners Losing Health Insurance (FAIR) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com 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
Direct download: 1080_Corporate_medias_fight_for_legitimacy_in_the_age_of_Trump_Throwback_General_-_5-18-23_15.50.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:06pm EDT |
Tue, 16 May 2023
Air Date 5/16/2023 Today, we take a look at the current state and deep context for why our immigration and asylum system broken, and why our policies have made it worse rather than better, all while stoking anti-immigrant hatred. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: The law that broke US immigration - Vox - Air Date 8-9-21 Why the US has so many undocumented immigrants. Ch. 2: Biden & The Border - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 5-1-23 Explaining the lackluster immigration policy of the Biden administration in contrast to the disaster of the Trump administration President Joe Biden has said that changing immigration law remains an important piece of his agenda. But the path to new legislation is complex and hardly clear. One of the biggest flashpoints in this debate is questions about undocumented workers We get an update from South Texas, where eight people were killed and at least 10 more injured Sunday in Brownsville after a driver rammed his SUV into a group of people near a shelter for migrants. We continue to unpack the expiration of Title 42 and the impact on those entering the U.S. illegally. Bianna speaks to journalist Caitlin Dickerson, who recently won a Pulitzer Prize for her extensive reporting on immigration. Ch. 6: A Nation of Hating Immigrants - Latino Rebels Radio - Air Date 5-11-23 Amid a wave of anti-immigrant rhetoric and violence, Julio Ricardo Varela welcomes Roberto Lopez to discuss the circumstances around the tragedy in Brownsville, Texas, and how the country has become a nation of hating immigrants. Ch. 7: The Abuse of Migrant Workers - In The Thick - Air Date 4-26-23 Fernanda Santos leads a discussion with Fernanda Echavarri and Tina Vasquez about their explosive two-part investigation, “Head Down,” which examines the abuse of migrant workers under the H-2A visa program. Ch. 8: The case for immigration - The David McWilliams Podcast - Air Date 2-6-23 Immigrants are used to having it hard, both in life and in the public eye where they are often vilified. This lambasting though is based on nothing more than lies - the truth is that immigrants help society grow and prosper. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: The law that could bring Florida's economy to a halt - Make Me Smart - Air Date 5-12-23 As the Title 42 immigration policy ends at the border, a new immigration law that aims to crack down on employers who hire undocumented workers has been signed in Florida. We get into the economic implications of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new immigration policy. Ch. 10: Florida's New Immigration Bill Is A DISASTER! - Law Firm of Moumita Rahman - Air Date 5-12-23 I share insights into the new anti-immigration bill signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The recently signed Florida immigration law has raised serious concerns, primarily due to its potential implications for undocumented immigrants. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on Republicans cynically supporting and abhorring child labor exploitation MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: Photo of a section of the U.S. border fence in Tijuana, Mexico with people visible on the opposite side. A concrete building stands on a hill in the near distance. Credit: “Tijuana Through the Fence” by Tony Webster, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Direct download: 1560_Immigration_Air_Date_5-16-23_General_-_5-16-23_19.55.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:32pm EDT |
Sun, 14 May 2023
Air Date 5/13/2023 Today, we take a look at the history and resurgent idea of the company town, sometimes described by other names to obscure the reality, and the problem of affordable housing they are trying to solve. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: ExpressVPN.com/BestOfTheLeft GET INTERNET PRIVACY WITH EXPRESS VPN! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Un-American and yet, totally American Company Towns - Knowing Better - Air Date 1-23-22 There's a tendency to think about company towns as a quaint relic of the past, something that disappeared a century ago. But company towns aren't just some quirk of American history, they are American history. The neighborhood we know today as Pullman was the first industrial planned community in the U.S., explicitly built for the Pullman Palace Car Company employees. Ch. 3: The Coal Town System - PBS - Air Date 1-13-16 West Virginia coal operators built small, company-owned towns for their miners to live in. The coal towns were almost always unincorporated; there were no elected officials, no independent police forces. In the almost 200 years that company towns have existed in the U.S., rarely do these planned communities live up to their creator’s utopian vision. WSJ explores why Musk is looking to the company town model for his properties in Texas. Ch. 5: Un-American and yet, totally American Company Towns 2 - Knowing Better - Air Date 1-23-22 Ch. 6: Elon Musk Wants To Build DYSTOPIAN Company Town - Breaking Points w James Li - Air Date 5-6-23 James Li breaks down the dystopian dreams of Elon Musk to build a modern-day company town. Ch. 7: The Housing Crisis Is So Bad Disney Is Building Housing For Workers - TYT - Air Date 11-26-22 Workers are struggling with the high cost of living near Disney World, so the corporate giant will build 1,300 affordable housing units near the park. Ch. 8: Seattle’s Social Housing Initiative Camille Gix - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-14-23 Camille Gix then joins to walk through Seattle’s I-135 initiative, what “Social Housing” implies, and why this model can bolster the reclamation of housing from the financial world to the public realm. Ch. 9: Vishaan Chakrabarti: A vision of sustainable housing for all of humanity - TED - Air Date 2-20-22 Architect Vishaan Chakrabarti wants us to start thinking about how we'll house all these people -- and how new construction can fight climate change rather than make it worse MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 10: Un-American and yet, totally American Company Towns 3 - Knowing Better - Air Date 1-23-22 Ch. 11: Arizona schools build tiny homes for teachers - CNN - Air Date 5-1-23 School districts in Arizona are building their own affordable housing for teachers, hoping to recruit a bigger and better batch of educators to address the ongoing shortage. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on the right to repair and why we all live in a company town MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE Description: Black and white photo of simple, identical concrete row houses fading off into the distance. Credit: “Deutsch: "Schweizer Häuschen" in der Bayreuther Sozialsiedlung Burg” by Röhrensee, 1972 | License: CC BY SA-3.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1559_Company_Towns_Air_Date_5-13-23_General_-_5-13-23_16.19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:29am EDT |
Thu, 11 May 2023
Original Air Date 9/15/2017 Today we look at the history and structures of authoritarianism and explore how they relate to the Trump campaign and administration Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Show NotesAct 1: It can't happen here Part 1 - Ideas from the CBC - Air Date 1-17-17 Act 3: Opposing conservative policies and authoritarianism - Who. What. Why. - Air Date 2-11-17 Act 4: It can't happen here Part 2 - Ideas from the CBC - Air Date 1-17-17 Act 5: Historian Timothy Snyder on the prospect of tyranny in America - This is Hell - Air Date 4-29-17 Act 6: Why Arpaio's Pardon Could Trigger Constitutional Crisis - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-29-17 Act 7: Full Frontal Is Scared: Masha Gessen Edition - Full Frontal with Samantha Bee - Air Date 1-18-17 Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon 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
Direct download: 1133_Understanding_Authoritarianism_General_-_5-8-23_22.40.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:01pm EDT |
Thu, 11 May 2023
Air Date: 5-10-23 REFERENCES: ‘When people can talk about sex, they flourish’: the rise of sexual wellness - The Guardian Chad Daniels | Twelfth Night | Daddy Issues
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Direct download: Bonus_Show_270_Sample_-_5-10-23_17.49.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:14am EDT |
Wed, 10 May 2023
Air Date 5/9/2023 Today, we take a look at the hyper-polarization of our era and the anti-democratic instincts of the right taking hold in state legislatures. Building on a decade of gerrymandering and voter suppression within a structurally undemocratic American system that has helped Republicans create minority rule in many places and unearned super-majorities in others, they have now turned to simply ejecting their elected political opponents from fully representing their constituents. Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES America’s Congress may be gridlocked, but its state legislatures certainly aren’t. Ch. 2: GOP legislatures gaming elections, suppressing voting - The BradCast - Air Date 5-4-23 In Ohio, Republicans are pushing a scheme to raise the qualification threshold for ballot initiatives before voters can mobilize to stop them. MSNBC's Ali Velshi reports on the vote Wednesday by Montana House Republicans to ban Democratic State Rep. Zooey Zephyr, who is trans, after she spoke out against anti-trans legislation. Ch. 4: Have State Legislatures Gone Rogue? - The New Yorker Radio Hour - Air Date 5-5-23 The story of two lawmakers expelled from the Tennessee legislature captured headlines across the country. Ch. 5: Deciding the Fate of Democracy in North Carolina - The Laura Flanders Show - Air Date 5-7-23 So far, 27 people in North Carolina have been indicted in connection with the effort to overturn the 2020 election on January 6th. Tennessee’s Justin Jones and Montana’s Zooey Zephyr, two Democratic state lawmakers who were both punished by their Republican-led legislatures for peaceful protests, say the only way to fight such anti-democratic moves is through broad solidarity. "This is a woman who spoke movingly about her own abortion on the floor of the North Carolina statehouse in 2015 when she was arguing against abortion restrictions," says Chris Hayes on State Rep. Tricia Cotham. The largely white Tennessee House of Representatives, with its heavily gerrymandered Republican supermajority, expelled two members, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, the two youngest Black representatives in the House. Steven Levitsky is David Rockefeller Professor of Latin American Studies and Professor of Government at Harvard University. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 10: The Polarization Of State Legislatures - Not Another Politics Podcast - Air Date 3-1-23 Are state legislatures polarizing as well? And, if they are, what can that tell us about the state of our democracy? VOICEMAILS Ch. 11: Thoughts on big ideas to redistribute wealth - Dave from Olympia, WA FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on an analogy that explains the dangers of poorly framed arguments SHOW IMAGE Description: A distorted, high-contrast photo of an American flag on a flag pole against a dark red sky. Credit: "redflag" by AK Rockerfeller, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Direct download: 1558_States_of_Hate_Air_Date_5-9-23_General_-_5-9-23_20.00.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:05am EDT |
Sat, 6 May 2023
Air Date 5/5/2023 Today, we take a look at the history and present of the labor movement to demonstrate how times may change but the fundamental struggle, including many of the exact tactics, remains the same. Plus, get ready to get excited about salts, the secret ingredient in labor movement. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: May Day and the Haymarket Massacre Part 1 - Rattling the Bars, Real News Network - Air Date 5-1-23 RNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez joins Rattling the Bars for a discussion on the history of May Day, and how the persecution of organizers in the wake of the Haymarket Massacre highlights the importance of extending solidarity Ch. 2: The History of May Day - The Young Turks - Air Date 5-2-23 The Young Turks discuss the history of May Day. Ch. 3: Labor in America Part 1 - The Zero Hour - Air Date 1-21-23 Heidi Shierholz is President of the Economic Policy Institute Ch. 4: Secret Union Tactic Fuels Unprecedented Labor Wins - Bloomberg Originals - Air Date 4-3-23 Bloomberg's Josh Eidelson explains the tactic's recent revival after exclusive visits to undercover training sessions over the past year. Ch. 5: Donna Murch on Rutgers Labor Action - CounterSpin - Air Date 4-21-23 We’ll get an update from Donna Murch, associate professor of history at Rutgers, and New Brunswick chapter president of Rutgers AAUP-AFT. Ch. 6: Labor in America Part 2 - The Zero Hour - Air Date 1-21-23 Ch. 7: Union Organizing 101 Building Class Solidarity Every Day - The Majority Report - Air Date 1-22-18 Jane McAlevey on strengthening the union movement. Ch. 8: May Day and the Haymarket Massacre Part 2 - Rattling the Bars, Real News Network - Air Date 5-1-23 MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: May Day and the Haymarket Massacre Part 3 - Rattling the Bars, Real News Network - Air Date 5-1-23 Ch. 10: Jane McAlevey on Deep Organizing - Jacobin - Air Date 12-10-18 Unions are the weakest they have been in a century. But, as Jane McAlevey explains, the story of a group of Philadelphia nurses shows that deep organizing and a willingness to strike can still win. VOICEMAILS Ch. 11: Nuances to add to the JK Rowling episode - Soph FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on framing arguments in defense of trans lives MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE Description: Labor protesters march on a city sidewalk. The person in the front holds a placard that says “Support Amazon Labor Union.” The person behind them holds a sign that says “Starbucks: Union Busting is Disgusting.” A third person in the line wears a sign that says “Safety & Unions For All Workers.” Credits: “Philly Solidarity with Starbucks, Amazon & all workers organizing!” By Joe Piette, Flickr | License: CC BY- SA 2.0 | Changes: Slight increase in contrast Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1557_Labor_Organizing_Air_Date_5-5-23_General_-_5-5-23_21.43.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:12am EDT |
Tue, 2 May 2023
Air Date 5/2/2023 Today, we take a look at the intertwining of oil wealth, philanthropy, and culture washing from John Rockefeller to the sheiks of the Middle East. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: ExpressVPN.com/BestOfTheLeft GET INTERNET PRIVACY WITH EXPRESS VPN! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Who Were the Robber Barons? - Brain Blaze - Air Date 10-29-19 The Robber Barons were some dudes who got rich and were pretty sketchy about it all, but then founded a bunch of universities and stuff like that, so I guess we're cool? Why is America living in an age of profound economic inequality? Why, despite the desperate need to address climate change, have even modest environmental efforts been defeated again and again? We speak with author Jules Boykoff about the climate and political implications of the 2022 World Cup. Ch. 4: How One Industry Controls Football - Athletic Interest - Air Date 11-5-21 Who controls football? Ch. 5: Why Billionaire Philanthropy Won't Solve Anything - Second Thought - Air Date 2-25-22 You ever notice how oligarchs like Warren Buffet and Bill Gates are cast as these uber-wealthy saviors who are singlehandedly raising the world out of poverty? That doesn't happen by accident. Ch. 6: What Is Sportswashing (and Does It Work)? - Freakonomics - Air Date 6-8-22 In ancient Rome, it was bread and circuses. Today, it’s a World Cup, an Olympics, and a new Saudi-backed golf league that’s challenging the P.G.A. Tour. Ch. 7: Why Billionaires Won't Save Us - Our Changing Climate - Air Date 5-21-21 I look at how the elite philanthropy of Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk function as more of a billionaire preservation of wealth and self than as an act of altruism. Anand Giridharadas believes we should be a bit more skeptical about embracing billionaires as the change-makers of our era. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Christian Bryant explores why sporting events are and can be held in countries with authoritarian regimes in this segment of "Scoreboard." Ch. 10: Fixing the Economy - Garys Economics - Air Date 11-27-22 After having opened up the publics eyes to the problem of Wealth Inequality, Gary reveals to the Channel his own idea for a possible Wealth Tax. VOICEMAILS Ch. 11: Reaching a conclusion on understanding the J.K Rowling episode - Boris from Belgium Ch. 12: The is/ought malfunction in our pattern recognition - Dave from Olympia, WA FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 13: Final comments on the is/ought problem of politics MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE Description: A diptych of photos of Mohammad bin Salman and a painting of John. D. Rockefeller. A drop of black oil falls into a splash over the center of the image. Credits: Composite design by A. Hoffman. Photo of “Defense Secretary Jim Mattis stands with Deputy Crown Price of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud” by U.S. Secretary of Defense, Flickr | License: CC by 2.0) | Changes: Cropped / Photo of painting of J.D. Rockefeller by John Singer Sargent, Flickr | License: Public Domain | Changes: Cropped / Oil drop and splash from Pixabay. Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1556_Oil_Wealth_Oligarchy_Air_Date_5-2-23_General_-_5-2-23_5-20-23_11.23.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:32pm EDT |
Sat, 29 April 2023
Original Air Date 5/10/2022 Today we take a look at the impacts of media ownership on society including legacy newspapers and social media platforms owned by billionaires and the consolidation of our news and entertainment corporations through mega-mergers. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Who Rules America: The Power of The Media | Propaganda - ENDEVR Documentary - Air Date 1-3-21 Who Rules America? takes a comprehensive look into the governing system of the United States of America and reveals the behind-the-scene powers that rule the nation. Ch. 2: Billionaires Control The Media - and Its Destroying Democracy - Novara Media - Air Date 11-20-19 Billionaires control the media, and it's undermining our democracy. The Washington Post announced on Monday the paper had been sold to Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos for $250 million. Bezos, one of the world’s wealthiest men, now controls one of the most powerful newspapers in the country. Ch. 4: Elon Musk, Twitter, and the History of Media Oligarchs - Past Present - Air Date 5-2-22 Niki referred to this Los Angeles Times article about the limits of Elon Musk’s “free speech absolutism.” Natalia referenced this New York Times article about billionaire investors in the press. I spoke before FTC Chair Lina Khan and Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Jonathan Kanter this week about how corporate mergers are devastating working conditions, access to diverse voices, and artistic freedom in media. Elon Musk reaching a deal to buy Twitter for $44 billion is discussed by Anand Giridharadas. "This future in which there would actually be more abundant and equitable speech terrifies the crap out of people like Elon Musk,” Giridharadas tells Joy Reid. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 7: How William Randolph Hearst Made The Media - KERA's Think - Air Date 9-27-21 He was one of the wealthiest men in America – and his media empire granted him unprecedented influence. Stephen Ives joins host Krys Boyd to tell the story of William Randolph Hearst and the template he created for the media business. Ch. 8: Is Free Speech Online Just a Myth? - What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future - Air Date 5-8-22 A conversation with one of the smartest First Amendment lawyers in the country. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments on the propaganda of building faulty assumptions into questions MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: The front page of a newspaper is held up by a reader. The newspaper is called “The Media” and the large text headline is a quotation that reads “We Own This, Too" above black and white photos of Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Rupert Murdoch. Credit: Composite design by Amanda Hoffman. Images include: “newspaper, world is changing”; "Jeff Bezos" by NASA Robotics Competition, Flickr (Public Domain); "Elon Musk" by Tesla Owners Club Belgium, Flickr (CC BY 2.0); "Rupert Murdoch" by Eva Rinaldi, Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0) | Changes: Cropped and black and white
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Direct download: 1489_Media_Ownership_Air_Date_5-10-22_w.ads_-_4-25-23_20.48.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:06pm EDT |
Thu, 27 April 2023
Air Date 4/26/2023 Today, we take a look at the trials and tribulations facing the youth today as men and boys are being surpassed academically by women and girls and girls are suffering disproportionately under the weight of the toxic forces of social media. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: ExpressVPN.com/BestOfTheLeft GET INTERNET PRIVACY WITH EXPRESS VPN! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Senator Josh Hawley on masculinity - Axios on HBO - Air Date 11-7-21 Axios’ Mike Allen sits down with Missouri Senator Josh Hawley to discuss the senator's comments on masculinity. Ch. 2: Male inequality, explained by an expert | Richard Reeves - Big Think - Air Date 1-4-23 Modern males are struggling. Author Richard Reeves outlines the three major issues boys and men face and shares possible solutions. Ch. 3: Liz Plank & Richard Reeves Debate Gender Inequality - The Man Enough Podcast - Air Date 4-5-23 Brookings Institution scholar and acclaimed author Richard Reeves tackles the pressing issue of young men falling behind, on a mission to uplift them without jeopardizing women's rights. In 2021, the CDC saw an increase in mental health challenges across the board, but it’s girls in the U.S. that are engulfed in a wave of sadness, violence, and trauma.Stephanie Sy spoke with Sharon Hoover about the survey. Scott Galloway, or ‘Prof G’ to his fans, is one of the most influential business thought leaders in the world. Host of The Prof G Show, one of the most popular business podcasts in America A national survey by the CDC sounded a new alarm about teens in crisis. It shows nearly 30% of teenage girls said they considered dying by suicide, and three out of five girls said they felt persistently sad or hopeless. Ch. 8: Are the Kids Alright — with Jonathan Haidt Part 1 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 10-27-20 NYU social psychologist Jonathan Haidt has spent the last few years trying to figure out why, working with fellow psychologist Jean Twenge, and he believes social media is to blame. Ch. 10: Are the Kids Alright — with Jonathan Haidt Part 2 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 10-27-20 MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 11: Spotlight — Addressing the TikTok Threat - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 9-8-22 This week on Your Undivided Attention, we bring you a bonus episode about TikTok. Co-hosts Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin explore the nature of the TikTok threat, and how we might address it. Ch. 12: Male inequality, explained by an expert | Richard Reeves Part 2 - Big Think - Air Date 1-4-23 VOICEMAILS Ch. 13: Continuing discussion of J.K. Rowling episode - VoiceMailer Boris Ch. 14: Marking an isolating Black leaders - V from Central New York FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 15: Final comments on the fundamental disconnections that tend to drive modern debate MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1555_Kids_Not_Alright_Air_Date_4-26-23_General_-_4-26-23_21.05.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:27am EDT |
Fri, 21 April 2023
Air Date: 4-21-23 REFERENCES: The French are in a Panic over Le Wokisme - The Atlantic
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Direct download: Bonus_Show_269_Sample_-_4-21-23_19.25.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:48pm EDT |
Thu, 20 April 2023
Air Date 4/19/2023 Today, we take a look at the history and present of the interconnected movements to privatize education and dismantle democracy. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: ExpressVPN.com/BestOfTheLeft GET INTERNET PRIVACY WITH EXPRESS VPN! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Segrenomics: The Long History of Cashing In On Unequal Education - Have You Heard - Air Date 1-3-18 Education reform is often referred to as the "civil rights issue of our time." But what would have happened if "edupreneurs" had used their money, influence, connections and access to solve the riddle of why we can't integrate schools? Ch. 2: Democracy and Public Education: A Future in Peril - Have You Heard - Air Date 8-12-21 Why are the same states that are rolling back democracy also intent on dismantling public education? We assembled an all-star cast to get some answers. Ch. 3: The Hidden Agenda of Privatization with Jessica Piper (pt.1) - Teach Me, Teacher - Air Date 10-31-21 Jessica Piper, a previous middle and high school English teacher and now candidate for Missouri state representative, believes there's a far bigger agenda behind the outrage we are currently hearing about. Ch. 4: Betsy DeVos Is Still Making Moves to Destroy Public Schools - The New Abnormal - Air Date 4-1-23 Betsy DeVos is no longer wreaking havoc as former President Donald Trump’s Secretary of Education, but even without the title, the Republican donor is still actively making moves to “destroy” the public school system. Ch. 5: The Surprising History Behind Charter Schools - WBUR - Air Date 11-4-16 Today, teachers' unions are among the fiercest opponents of charter schools in the United States. The fact that a legendary union president was maybe the key champion of the idea tells you how much things have changed in 30 years. Because it is so well researched and presented, Cutting School: The Segrenomics of American Education, is a frustrating read. To tell the story of privatization, segregation, & the end of public education requires a massive cast. We are in the midst of an escalating rightwing assault on public education in America. It comes in the form of an attempted authoritarian takeover of schools and universities, in hundreds of bills establishing state censorship, banning books, ect. Ch. 8: Diane Ravitch on Pandemic School Privatization - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-22-20 We talk with Diane Ravitch about the latest scheme for rich folks to decide what's best for schools their children don't attend. Ch. 9: Racism-High-Stakes Disaster Education | Dr. Ricardo Rosa - TEDxCCSU - Air Date 11-24-15 Dr. Rosa is a member of Save Our Schools, United Opt-Out and the Badass Teachers Association. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, an activist, writer, and researcher. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 10: The Secret Power of Homeschoolers - VICE NEWS - Air Date 10-12-22 VICE News investigates why families are opting out, and what happens to the institution of public school when people abandon it. VOICEMAILS Ch. 11: Thanks for the Rowling episode - VoicedMailer Roland Ch. 12: Regarding Puberty Blockers - VoicedMailer J Ch. 13: Thoughts on the J.K. Rowling episode - VoicedMailer Boris Ch. 14: Something to add to the JK Rowling episode - VoicedMailer Daniel FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 15: Final comments on responses to the trans rights and authoritarianism episode MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Direct download: 1554_Education_Privatization_Air_Date_4-19-23_General_-_4-19-23_20.55.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:58am EDT |
Sun, 16 April 2023
Air Date 4/16/2023 Today, we take a look at some of the arguments of the anti-trans feminist movement, known by its most prominent proponent, J.K. Rowling, all in the shadow of the anti-trans fervor of the right wing which is checking off the stages of genocide like a to-do list. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 2: Understanding The 'Logic' Of TERFs - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 2-13-22 Why do TERFs think the way they do? The history of TERFs goes way back before JK Rowling. In the 1980s TERF Janice Raymond ran a successful campaign to push Sandy Stone out of Olivia Records. Ch. 3: Comments 1: Introducing Authoritarianism Ch. 5: Transphobia In A Suit - The Anti-Trans Hate Machine: A Plot Against Equality - Air Date 7-22-21 Imara investigates the influence the Heritage Foundation had in infusing anti-trans ideology into the government during Trump’s presidency—a legacy the Biden administration is still trying to unravel. Ch. 6: Comments 2: Reasons for the extreme defense of trans rights Ch. 8: American Fascism And The Groomer Panic Part 1 - Second Thought - Air Date 2-24-23 We've seen a number of moral panics over the decades, and this one is no different. Come learn how the same old tropes are being recycled to animate this latest strain Ch. 9: Comments 3: Just asking questions Ch. 11: American Fascism And The Groomer Panic Part 2 - Second Thought - Air Date 2-24-23 Ch. 12: Comments 4: Straw men and moderates Ch. 14: Can We Stop the GOP From “Eradicating” Trans People? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 3-8-23 Pastor Martin Niemöller’s famous poem begins, “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist.” But, in fact, first they came for the queer people. A year before Nazis began attacking union leaders and socialists Ch. 15: Comments 5: Who understands Harry Potter? Ch. 16: Comments 6: Misogyny in the movement Ch. 17: Comments 7: Fueling anger and emboldening action Ch. 18: TERFs and the Fascist Roots of Anti-Trans Movements - Jessie Gender - Air Date 3-22-23 At a gender-critical TERF rally in Melbourne, Australia, Neo-Nazis showed up to support the anti-trans rhetoric... and this shouldn't surprise anyone. Ch. 19: Comments 8: If nazis are supporting your movement... FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 20: Final comments on reimagining reality MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE Description: The sentence “Trans Rights Are Human Rights” is repeated in alternating colors of the transgender pride flag. The UN Free & Equal logo is on the bottom right corner. Credit: "#TransRightsAreHumanRights" UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) initiative UN Free & Equal (@free_equal)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Direct download: 1553_Trials_of_JK_Rowling_Air_Date_4-15-23_General_-_4-16-23_15.39.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:35pm EDT |
Wed, 12 April 2023
Original Air Date 4/20/2022 Today we take a look at the bizarre halo effect that seems to surround Elon Musk and then thoroughly puncture it by just explaining a few things about him and his companies. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: The Myth Of The "Self-Made" Billionaire - Second Thought - Air Date 9-10-21 It’s no secret that Americans love to hear about billionaires. You’ll find them everywhere. They’re on the news [Bezos space launch], have their own TV shows, movies, and even make their way to elected office. Ch. 2: Is Elon Musk a Fraud - Deconstructed - Air Date 5-14-20 Over the weekend, Tesla CEO Elon Musk took to Twitter to voice his frustrations about the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in Alameda County, California. The billionaire entrepreneur threatened that he would take his auto factory to another state Ch. 3: Tesla SUED Over Racial Discrimination In The Workplace - The Young Turks - Air Date 2-12-22 Elon Musk and Tesla are coming under fire as the state of California is suing the company for allegedly running a “racially segregated” workplace. Black workers are reportedly concentrated in certain parts of the factory and are constantly berated Ch. 4: Elon Musk Is Not Your Friend - Some More News - Air Date 5-10-21 Hi. Elon Musk will not save us. Sorry. Billionaire memelord Elon Musk has dropped yet another batcrap Libertarian rant for his adoring fans, this time regarding the bloodthirsty government and how he hates the pesky electric vehicle subsidies that he would (and already does) benefit from. Ch. 6: Elon Trolls the SEC - What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future - Air Date 4-8-22 With 9.1% ownership of Twitter—and a board seat—Elon Musk is the new master of Twitter's future. Why did the wealthiest man in the world just take over the world's most influential platform? Ch. 7: Elon, Segregationist & Culture War in Colorado w/ Chase Woodruff - Left Reckoning - Air Date 2-23-22 The real reason Elon Musk fleed California: incredible racism and animal cruelty charges. Also, how he's giving marching orders to Texas cops. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: Elon Musk Isn’t Saving Humanity w/ Manu Saadia - Tech Won't Save Us - Air Date 3-25-21 Paris Marx is joined by Manu Saadia to discuss the roots of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos’ visions for space, and why they serve the billionaires’ need for control, not the betterment of humanity. VOICEMAILS Ch. 10: Back on the path - Dave from Olympia, WA FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on foundational ideas that help explain politics MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1484_Elon_Musk_Billionaires_Air_Date_4-20-22_w._ads_-_4-12-23_18.34.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:58pm EDT |
Sat, 8 April 2023
Original Air Date: 4-6-23 REFERENCES: Time to take biden to the train station What Happens When Sexting Chatbots Dump Their Human Lovers Super League: The War for Football Elon Musk Sets Poop Emoji as an Autoreply to Twitter’s Press Email A view of American History that Leads to One Conclusion
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Direct download: Bonus_Show_268_Sample_-_4-7-23_21.26.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:32am EDT |
Wed, 5 April 2023
Original Air Date 4/2/2022 Today we take a look at the modern reality of cyber war. It's not the mass destruction of attacks that were imagined to look like a "Cyber Pearl Harbor" but the much more subtle cyber attacks that often fly under the radar and live in the grey area in attempts to inflict harm without provoking counterattack. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Andy Greenberg - Longform - Air Date 12-11-19 Andy Greenberg is a senior writer for Wired. His new book is Sandworm. “I kind of knew I was never going to get access to Sandworm, which is the title of the book - so it was all about drawing a picture around this invisible monster.” Ch. 2: How America’s gas got hacked - Today, Explained - Air Date 5-12-21 The largest-known ransomware attack on American energy infrastructure is driving up gas prices and creating shortages. Wired's Lily Hay Newman says Colonial Pipeline might be a turning point for cybersecurity. Ch. 3: Is Russia at War with the West? Part 1 - The Inquiry - Air Date 11-21-18 There are currently a number of serious allegations made in the West against Russia. They include the attempted murder of the former spy Sergei Skripal on British soil; interference in the 2016 US election; the hacking of the American electricity grid. Sanger joins Judy Woodruff to discuss the threats and realities, how the U.S. wages cyber warfare, and how prepared the U.S. is to stop attacks. Ch. 5: Is Russia at War with the West? Part 2 - The Inquiry - Air Date 11-21-18 Russia has been practicing cyberwar in a real-life test lab — Ukraine. Andy Greenberg, author of 'Sandworm', recounts how Russia went from repeatedly shutting down Ukraine's infrastructure to unleashing worms that caused billions of dollars in damage. Ch. 7: Is World War III Already Here? - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 1-3-22 Warfare has changed so fundamentally, that we're currently in a war we don't even recognize. It's the war that Russia, China, and other hostile foreign actors are fighting against us — weaponizing social media to undermine our faith in each other MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Last week, a hacker group called DarkSide shut down the Colonial Pipeline, which supplies 45 percent of the fuel consumed on the East Coast. Gas prices skyrocketed, people started hoarding gas, and DarkSide walked away with over $4 million in Bitcoin. VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: Puberty blockers experimental? - Maria in Pennsylvania FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on the deception and logical fallacies at the heart of critiques of gender affirming care MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1480_Cyber_War_Air_Date_4-1-22_Repost_w._ads_-_4-5-23_09.27.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:20pm EDT |
Fri, 31 March 2023
Air Date 3/31/2023 Today, we take a look at the history and legacy of the invasion of Iraq by the United States under George W. Bush and his administration with the support of the vast majority of Americans who had been systematically mislead by falsified evidence used to make the case for war. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) Check out The Laura Flanders Show! OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: ExpressVPN.com/BestOfTheLeft GET INTERNET PRIVACY WITH EXPRESS VPN! SHOW NOTES We spend today's show with two Iraqis looking back at how the unprovoked U.S. invasion devastated Iraq and helped destabilize much of the Middle East. Ch. 2: How To Start A War And Get Away With It Part 1 - AJ+ - Air Date 3-16-23 Twenty years ago the U.S. began its invasion of Iraq. What came next is a story well tread— a bloody, brutal and senseless war— but what lead up to the invasion deserves just as much scrutiny 20 years after the launch of the disastrous invasion of Iraq, Mehdi is asking: Isn’t it finally time to hold George W. Bush accountable for the brutal war and the lies he told us about it? Ch. 4: How To Start A War And Get Away With It Part 2 - AJ+ - Air Date 3-16-23 Ch. 5: Norman Solomon on the Iraq Invasion, 20 Years Later - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-24-23 We’ll talk about it with author, critic and longtime friend of FAIR Norman Solomon. What passes for debate about why we must remain at some kind of war—cold, hot, corporate, stealth, acknowledged, denied has roots worth studying in 2003. Ch. 7: “To Start a War” by Robert Draper - PBS - Air Date 8-7-20 On the Washington Week Extra, New York Times Magazine writer at large and National Geographic contributing writer Robert Draper discusses his latest book, "To Start a War: How the Bush Administration Took America into Iraq.” “The story of the past 20 years is a story of destruction, devastation, corruption, incompetence, but also a story of resilience,” says Nadje Al-Ali, director of the Center for Middle East Studies at Brown University MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Sam hosts Spencer Ackerman, columnist for The Nation and author of the Forever Wars newsletter on Ghost, to discuss his recent piece “The Unlearned Lessons From the War in Iraq”. VOICEMAILS Ch. 12: Leftists are now war mongers - Ronald Bruce Meyer Ch. 13: Senseless war - VoicedMailer Marg Comment on your recent Ukraine podcast - VoicedMailer Trevor FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 14: Final comments on the moral responsibility of inaction in Ukraine MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1552_Iraq_20_Years_Air_Date_3-31-23_General_-_3-31-23_21.04.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:35pm EDT |
Wed, 29 March 2023
Original Air Date 3/16/2022 Today we take a look at the dynamics of mis- and disinformation as well as the history of those, primarily Russia, who are actively using it as a weapon of information warfare against the US, The West, and democracies around the world. Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Are you Disinformed or Misinformed? - Harvard Data Science Review Podcast - Air Date 6-17-21 Harvard Data Science Review digs into the world of disinformation and misinformation, and the difference between them. Ch. 2: Moving beyond news deserts and misinformation - Democracy Works - Air Date 2-14-22 Victor Pickard is the C. Edwin Baker Professor of Media Policy and Political Economy at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Democracy Without Journalism? Ch. 3: Why "Cheap Speech" Threatens Democracy - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 3-5-22 Dahlia talks to Rick Hasen about his new book Cheap Speech: How Disinformation Poisons Our Politics–and How to Cure It. Ch. 4: The Firehose of Falsehood Effect - The Propwatch Project - Air Date 4-4-21 Dr. Christopher Paul, senior social scientist of the Pardee RAND Graduate School, discusses his seminal work on the "Firehose of Falsehood" propaganda model, going through its key components and explaining how each exploits facets of human heuristics. Ch. 5: The long history of Russian disinformation targeting the U.S. - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 11-22-18 A recent New York Times video series explores the long history of Russian disinformation Ch. 6: Post-Truth: Lee C. McIntyre - Future Hindsight - Air Date 5-14-20 Authoritarians use post-truth to corrupt our faith in the truth. The end goal is not to make citizens believe lies, but to make them so cynical and uncertain, they think they can never know the truth. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: Inside Estonia's approach in combating Russian disinformation - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 1-15-22 Russian disinformation is rife in countries formerly ruled from Moscow. Some ex-Soviet states have tried to suppress it altogether by banning Russian television stations and even limiting the use of the Russian language on their own domestic channels. VOICEMAILS Ch. 10: Seeking power from the right and left - Alex from Maryland Old FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on avoiding the nihilism strategy of the Underpants Gnomes TAKE ACTION! Media Literacy Now - Advocate for U.S. Media Literacy Bills at State Level (See Existing Media Literacy Bills and Laws) Tools to Fight Disinformation: List: Tools That Fight Disinformation Online (RAND.org) InVID - Browser plug in to help identify and verify shared videos and images Hamilton 2.0 Dashboard - War in Ukraine (Disinformation tracker) Orgs Fighting Disinformation: Content Authenticity Initiative Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity Alliance for Securing Democracy EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE Short Docuseries: Operation InfeKtion (New York Times) Book: “The Misinformation Age: How False Beliefs Spread” by Calin O’Connor and James Owen Weatherall Video Series: Crash Course Media Literacy Training: First Draft News - Training Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman SHOW IMAGE: Description: In graphic form, the word "TRUTH" is angled and textured in red. A magnifying glass hovers over most of the letter "U" and the word "LIES" can be seen repeated in rows through the circular glass. Credit: Original design on Pixabay / Changes: angled, text color, background color / Final by Amanda Hoffman
Direct download: 1476_Disinformation_Air_Date_3-16-22_Members__Ads_Repost.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:39pm EDT |
Sun, 26 March 2023
Air Date 3/26/2023 Today, we take a look at the Russian invasion of Ukraine as the debate over continuing to support Ukraine heats up, an arrest warrant is issued for Putin and China makes a state visit to Moscow. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: ExpressVPN.com/BestOfTheLeft GET INTERNET PRIVACY WITH EXPRESS VPN! SHOW NOTES Matt Dust discusses Biden's trip to Ukraine and the symbolism. CodePink co-founder Medea Benjamin speaks on why she believes this is a propaganda move to increase support for a senseless war. Ch. 2: Russias Total War on Ukraine One Year Later - Gaslit Nation - Air Date 2-22-23 We discuss what’s changed since February 2022, what Ukraine still needs to win, Biden’s recent visit, and the geopolitical consequences of the war for the rest of the world. Ch. 3: Unwinnable War Calls Grow for Negotiated End to Ukraine War - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-2-23 To talk about possible peace talks, we are joined by two guests: Vladislav Zubok, a Russian professor of international history at the London School of Economics, and Wolfgang Sporrer, a conflict manager and adjunct professor at the Hertie School in Berlin Nuclear weapons policy analyst and historian STEPHEN SCHWARTZ unpacks the implications of Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a unilateral suspension of participation in the New START treaty. The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, alleging that he oversaw the forced deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow Monday for a three-day state visit to Russia.Sasha Gabuev of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace discussed the visit with Nick Schifrin. The Eurasia Group's Ian Bremmer joins Morning Joe to discuss Turkey and Hungary clearing way for Finland to join NATO, Vladimir Putin's recent trip to Mariupol and the ICC issuing arrest warrants for Putin for war crimes. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: Russias Total War on Ukraine One Year Later Part 2 - Gaslit Nation - Air Date 2-22-23 Are recent attacks by Russia just the beginning of what could be a bloody year for both Ukraine & Russia? Veteran War Correspondent Phil Ittner joins Thom Hartmann to discuss. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on the debate on the left about the future of the war in Ukraine MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: Photo of a soldier standing with their back to the camera wearing a helmet, tactical gear, and a gun on their back. A distressed Ukrainian flag flies in the distance on the battlefield. Credit: “Ukraine-war-soldier-weapon” LukasJohnns, Pixabay | Pixabay License Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Direct download: 1551_Ukraine_War_1_Year_Air_Date_3-26-23_General_-_3-26-23_20.27.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:43pm EDT |
Fri, 24 March 2023
Original Air Date: 3-23-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss: - giving credit where due - the mysteries of right-wing comedy through the ages - the dream of freedom from cars and trapping people in cities
REFERENCES: Is the right winning the comedy wars? - Vox Fifteen Minutes of Blame - Slate
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Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Direct download: Bonus_Show_267_Sample_-_3-24-23_15.48.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:03pm EDT |
Tue, 21 March 2023
Air Date 3/21/2023 Today, we take a look at how GOP-controlled states are subverting democracy with a form of "competitive autocracy" and some of the horrifying legislation these states then pass after they are no longer subject to the opinions of the general public. Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Watch/Listen: The Laura Flanders Show SHOW NOTES David Pepper, former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, author of the book "Laboratories of Autocracy: A Wake-Up Call from Behind the Lines." Ch. 2: Republicans Are Staging A Legislative Coup - More Perfect Union - Air Date 1-5-22 Republicans are now carrying out a legislative coup by rigging a decade of elections. The former Ohio Democratic State Chair on how state legislatures are dismantling democracy. Ch. 4: The Fight for Fair Maps - The Takeaway - Air Date 7-18-22 After each census every 10 years, a fight for redistricting ensues. Ch. 5: Failing (Red)States - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 3-4-23 Ralph welcomes William Kleinknecht, author of “States of Neglect: How Red-State Leaders Have Failed Their Citizens and Undermined America” Mississippi's Republican majority in the state Legislature has put forth a slew of bills in recent months to put the majority-Black capital of Jackson under a white-led superstructure. Iowa Republicans are proposing a new bill that would change Iowa's child labor law to allow teens to work more dangerous jobs. Ch. 10: How Moore v. Harper Could Reshape Democracy - The Takeaway - Air Date 12-8-22 The Supreme Court began hearing arguments on Moore v. Harper this week, a case that involves North Carolina’s Republican-led-state legislatures' efforts to pass gerrymandered maps. BONUS CLIP(S) Arkansas Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a law that would make it significantly easier for children to work extremely hard jobs. Missouri has some of the most permissive gun laws in the nation. A state law passed in 2021 is making it harder for police to enforce federal gun laws. Ch. 13: Tennessee legislator shocks with lynching suggestion - Alex Wagner Tonight - Air Date 3-3-23 Jelani Cobb talks with Alex Wagner about a Tennessee legislator suggesting that lynching be added as an option in new state death penalty legislation. VOICEMAILS Ch. 14: Re-indigenization - VoicedMailer Daniel FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 15: Final comments on how to fix the states SHOW IMAGE: Description: Partial illustrated map of the U.S. "Red states" are black. A hollow-eyed elephant is overlaid on top of them. Blue and purple states are visible. Credit: Composite by A. Hoffman, License: CC By-SA 4.0. Map image credit: “Last 2 Election Red States and Blue States and Purple States” by BobWyatt07, Wikimedia Commons | License: CC BY-SA 4.0 | Changes: Cropped, color-filled red states to black
Direct download: 1550_Red_States_Air_Date_3-21-23_General_-_3-21-23_21.05.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:49pm EDT |
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