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Air Date 1/29/2026

Today we examine the collapse of the American-led, rules-based world order (such as it was) in real time. Canada’s Prime Minister pointed out that the emperor has no clothes and declared US hegemony over while Europe called Trump's bluff on Greenland... all the more reason why he would prefer a fake “Board of Peace” that he can rule over as a worldwide plutocracy.

Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Full Show Notes

Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!

In honor of our 20th birthday, we're giving new Members 20% OFF FOR THE LIFETIME OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP...this includes Gift Memberships! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)

Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience!

Join our Discord community!


KEY POINTS

KP 1: TACO Returns: Trump 'isolated and Humiliated' by Greenland Saga Says Hayes - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 1-21-26

KP 2: Why Trump Just Threatened Canada in Davos | About That - CBC News - Air Date 1-21-26

KP 3: Trump's War on Iran / Davos / Canada-China Relations with Prof. Jiang Xueqin of Predictive History - Reason2Resist with Dimitri Lascaris - Air Date 1-22-26

KP 4: MAGA Empire with Aslı Bâli and Greg Grandin Part 1 - The Dig - Air Date 1-16-26

KP 5: Iran’s Protest Movement with Yassamine Mather and Kevan Harris - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 1-20-26

KP 6: Mehdi Reacts to the Intense Debate Over Iran's Protests - Zeteo - Air Date 1-17-26


(00:44:46) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On why an might-makes-right is evil


DEEPER DIVES

(00:56:10) SECTION A: GREENLAND (OR IS IT ICELAND?)

A1: Chris Hayes' Map-based Theory Behind Trumps Greenland Obsession - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 1-14-26

A2: Why Donald Trump Really Wants Greenland - Full Story - Air Date 1-19-26

A3: ‘What Starts World Wars’: Trump Ramps up Greenland Obsession, Floats Military Action - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 1-6-26

A4: Trump Threatens Greenland: The Start of World War 3? with Richard Wolff - The Socialist Program with Brian Becker - Air Date 1-21-26

A5: Greenland Tariffs Have European Leaders Ready To Give Up On Trump - Mallen Baker - Air Date 1-18-26


(01:33:49) SECTION B: IRAN IN CHAOS AND STILL A TARGET

B1: Iran's Khamenei Says US, Israel Links Behind "thousands Killed" in Protests - Al Jazeera English - Air Date 1-18-26

B2: MAGA Empire with Aslı Bâli and Greg Grandin Part 2 - The Dig - Air Date 1-16-26

B3: News Brief: For Media Reporting on Iran, Trump Suddenly Morphs Into Pro-Democracy Humanitarian - Citations Needed - Air Date 1-17-26

B4: What Will Happen in Iran Now That Protests Have Died Down? - DW News - Air Date 1-17-26


(02:02:12) SECTION C: CANADA MADE AN ADVERSARY

C1: Canada Prepares For US INVASION - And Mark Carney Declares US Hegemony OVER - Owen Jone - Air Date 1-21-26

C2: Mark Carney and the New World Order - Front Burner - Air Date 1-20-26

C3: Canada-China Form New Partnership: This Is Huge - The Rational National - Air Date 1-16-26


(02:25:22) SECTION D: THE WORLD MOVES AWAY FROM THE DOLLAR

D1: The New Trump World Order - Why, America? with Leeja Miller - Air Date 1-19-26

D2: Oxfam Warns of Rising Authoritarianism & Billionaire Boom - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-21-26

D3: Foreign Central Banks Are Dumping US Debt At Alarming Rates - UNFTR Media - Air Date 12-19-25


(02:50:02) SECTION E: DYING COLONIALIST EMPIRE

E1: "Empire in Decline": Historian Alfred McCoy on U.S. Aggression in Venezuela, Iran & Beyond - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-13-26

E2: Will Trump’s Board of Peace Replace the UN? - Today in Focus - Air Date 1-21-26

E3: MAGA Empire with Aslı Bâli and Greg Grandin Part 3 - The Dig - Air Date 1-16-26

E4: Gaza, Venezuela, and Greenland Mark End of World Legal Order Set up in 1945 - Redeye - Air Date 1-19-26

E5: America Is Now The Enemy - Large Man Abroad - Air Date 1-20-26


SHOW IMAGE CREDITS

Description: Photo of Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland standing alone, half in shadow, and off to the right against a wall with logos of the summit.

Credit: “President Donald Trump delivers remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland” by the U.S. Government via Wikimedia Commons| Public Domain

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

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Direct download: 1768_Failing_Empire.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30pm EDT

Re-Air Date: 01–26-26

Original Air Date: 06-09-24

Unless you were a member in June of 2024, this episode of SOLVED! will be brand new to you! If you were a member back then, THANK YOU and this one is worth a re-listen. We’re slowing down production for a little bit to reorganize our production processes, so enjoy this episode from our archives (and before YouTube) where Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:

 

- How the media focus on the "politics" of an event trivializes the impact that event has on real people
- The detrimental effects combining the daily news grind and the prioritization of profits forces has on news coverage
- How keeping news coverage light and ignoring the effects of neoliberalism leaves desperate people vulnerable to fascism
- The way history is repeating itself when it comes to news media not treating a demagogue's rhetoric as the emergency it is
- The difference between symbolic beliefs vs factual beliefs

 

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REFERENCES:

Why Americans Hate the Media - The Atlantic (1996)

The Media Still Doesn’t Grasp the Danger of Trump - The Intercept

Don’t Believe What They’re Telling You About Misinformation - The New Yorker

 

TAKE ACTION:

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Produced by:

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Thanks for listening!

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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

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Direct download: RERUN_5_SOLVED_Of_Horse_Races_and_Men_Bonus_307_PUBLIC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Air Date: 1/25/2026

Today we examine education as the battleground for democracy itself. We'll hear how authoritarians erase history to maintain power, why liberal arts colleges don't exist in authoritarian societies, how the administration is punishing universities for their political views, and what the detention of student protesters reveals about the cost of dissent in Trump's America.

Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Full Show Notes

Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!

In honor of our 20th birthday, we're giving new Members 20% OFF FOR THE LIFETIME OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP...this includes Gift Memberships! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)

Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience!

Join our Discord community!


KEY POINTS

KP 1: Rewriting Reality How the Battle for History Shapes the Future - WhoWhatWhy's Podcasts - Air Date 9-26-24

KP 2: Fighting Fascism with Education - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-26-25

KP 3: 'Abandoning' Kids' Futures AFT Pres. Slams Trump Dept. of Education Changes - MS NOW - Air Date 11-19-25

KP 4: 50 Years After the Birth of Special Education, Some Fear for Its Future Under Trump - All Things Considered - Air Date 12-3-25

KP 5: How Trumps Agenda Hurts College Students - Right Now With Perry Bacon - Air Date 11-19-25

KP 6: Trump Set to Garnish Wages for Student Loan Defaults - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-30-25


(00:46:40) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On the American and Chinese Cassandras of authoritarianism


DEEPER DIVES

(00:54:44) SECTION A: EDUCATION AND DEMOCRACY

A1: Rewriting Reality How the Battle for History Shapes the Future Part 2 - WhoWhatWhy's Podcasts - Air Date 9-26-24

A2: Fighting Fascism with Education Part 2 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-26-25

A3: Because Democracy Depends On It - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 11-29-25

A4: The Great US Brain Drain - Stuff They Don't Want You To Know - Air Date 1-9-25


(01:31:21) SECTION B: EDUCATION AND MONEY

B1: Republicans Plan to Overhaul the Federal Student Loan System. Here's What to Know - Trump's Terms - Air Date 4-30-25

B2: How Trumps Agenda Hurts College Students Part 2 - Right Now With Perry Bacon - Air Date 11-19-25

B3: Federal Student Loans Are Changing. Here's What to Expect in 2026 - Morning Edition - Air Date 12-23-25

B4: Community Colleges Face New Challenges as Trump Battles with Higher Education - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 11-18-25

B5: Trump Officials Loosen Strings on Federal Education Money for Iowa. More States Could Follow - Latest Stories From The Associated Press - Air Date 1-7-26


(01:56:44) SECTION C: EDUCATION AND FREE SPEECH

C1: 'If You Can Keep It' Trump Takes Aim At Academic Freedom Part 1 - 1A - Air Date 10-20-25

C2: Student Detained for Foreign Policy Views Speaks - Brian Lehrer A Daily Podcast - Air Date 12-22-25

C3: 'If You Can Keep It' Trump Takes Aim At Academic Freedom Part 2 - 1A - Air Date 10-20-25

C4: Student Detained for Foreign Policy Views Speaks Part 2 - Brian Lehrer A Daily Podcast - Air Date 12-22-25


(02:27:06) SECTION D: EDUCATION AND THE DOE

D1: Inside the Trump Administrations Plan to Change Public Education - ProPublica - Air Date 1-6-25

D2: Trump Hurts His Base Again Education Cuts Hit Red States More, Ending Help for Most Vulnerable - The Briefing - Air Date 7-16-25

D3: Inside the Trump Administrations Plan to Change Public Education Part 2 - ProPublica - Air Date 1-6-25


SHOW IMAGE CREDITS

Description: Close up photo of the seal of the US Department of Education with a sign over it that says “CLOSED”

Credit: Internal composite design. Elements from Pixabay | Pixabay License

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

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Direct download: 1767_Education.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:45pm EDT

Air Date: 1/21/2026

Today we look at ICE's reign of terror as a paramilitary occupation force and the communities pushing back. We'll hear about Renee Goode, an unarmed woman shot dead by federal agents, and Keith Porter, killed by an off-duty agent on New Year's Eve, in addition to historical parallels from Civil-Rights Era Selma, Alabama and the Boston Massacre. The signs of hope here are that the oppressed won those fights and the oppressors were forced to retreat - there's every reason to believe that the same pattern can repeat today.

Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Full Show Notes

Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!

In honor of our 20th birthday, we're giving new Members 20% OFF FOR THE LIFETIME OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP...this includes Gift Memberships! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)

Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience!

Join our Discord community!


KEY POINTS

KP 1: ‘We Want This Terror to Stop’: Ilhan Omar Calls for ICE to Leave Minnesota - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 1-13-26

KP 2: Peaceful Vs. Violent Resistance — What's the Answer? - The Chris Hedges YouTube Channel - Air Date 1-9-26

KP 3: ICE Is a Way to Deal With Surplus Males - Therese - Air Date 1-9-25

KP 4: How Do You Share a Country With People Who Reject Reality? - Cy Canterel - Air Date 1-12-26

KP 5: Abolish ICE - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 1-7-26


(00:46:11) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

From the Boston Massacre to Renee Good: How the State Demonizes Its Victims


DEEPER DIVES

(00:46:37) SECTION A: IT'S ALWAYS BEEN RACISM

A1: Trump Wants To 'Ethnically CLEANSE' America: Rep. Frost to Mehdi - Zeteo - Air Date 12-19-26

A2: Making Sense of This Moment | Explainer - Heather Cox Richardson - Air Date 1-8-26

A3: “Stolen From Us”: Family Demands Justice for Keith Porter, Black Father Killed by Off-Duty ICE Agent - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-13-26

A4: Black Folks Have Been Warning Us - Elliot Sang Again - Air Date 1-13-26


(01:22:43) SECTION B: ICE ABUSES PEOPLE

B1: How Trump's Deportation Campaign Is Reshaping Small Town America - Bloomberg Originals - Air Date 12-1-25

B2: Where ICE Has Taken The Most People | On The Grid - WIRED - Air Date 10-8-25

B3: Why the US Is Deporting so Many People - Johnny Harris - Air Date 10-31-25


(01:50:19) SECTION C: POLICE ARE A DOMESTIC MILITARY

C1: ICE Is Evolving Into an Extrajudicial Army. Dr Richard Wolff Explains How - The Real News Network - Air 1-12-26

C2: How America Turned Its Police Into an Army - New Economic Thinking - Air Date 2-28-18

C3: Secretive Border Patrol Program Is Detaining US Citizens for 'suspicious' Travel - Associated Press - Air Date 11-19-25

C4: Why Americas Police Look Like Soldiers - Vox - Air Date 6-25-20


(02:09:52) SECTION D: REVOLUTION

D1: Immigration, ICE, and Working Class Rebellion w/ Cecilia Guerrero Part 1 - Upstream - Air Date 1-7-26

D2: More Americans Are Saying the Quiet Part Loud: They Want a Revolution - The Humanist Report - Air Date 1-14-26

D3: Can Anyone Stop ICE? - Today, Explained - Air Date 1-14-26


(02:38:44) SECTION E: ICE IS ABOUT PROJECTING POWER

E1: Will ICE Get Away With This? - Radio Atlantic - Air Date 1-15-26

E2: ICE Can Hack Your Phone Without You Knowing - Taylor Lorenz - Air Date 9-5-25

E3: 'STUNNING': Trump's DOJ Won't Investigate ICE Shooting, Prompting Outrage and Resignations - The Briefing with Jen Psaki - Air Date 1-13-26

E4: “ICE Is OK with Renee Good’s Killing”: Journalist Ken Klippenstein on ICE Tactics & Recruitment - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-14-25


(03:10:48) SECTION F: WHAT COMES NEXT?

F1: Immigration, ICE, and Working Class Rebellion w/ Cecilia Guerrero Part 2 - Upstream - Air Date 1-7-26

F2: Governor Walz Addresses Ongoing Federal Presence in Minnesota - Office of the Governor of Minnesota - Air Date 1-14-26

F3: Minnesota Is A Training Ground For Whats To Come - Leeja Miller - Air Date 1-12-26


SHOW IMAGE CREDITS

Description: Photo of ICE in Minneapolis neighborhood facing a group of residents.

Credit: “ICE agents in Minneapolis after shooting” by Chad Davis, Flickr | CC by 4.0

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!

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Direct download: 1766_ICE_Is_A_Symptom.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:25pm EDT

Air Date: 01-12-26

Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:

 

  • Ch. 1 - Why it’s actually NOT a “Male Loneliness Epidemic (TM)” and even the non-crazy male influencers aren’t helping
  • Ch. 2 - Why loneliness is better understood by age, and how society has not emotionally equipped men for struggle
  • Ch. 3 - Why American-style capitalism is the root cause of loneliness epidemic and is stranding women and mothers
  • Ch. 4 - Why the solutions for societal loneliness don’t align with fascist governments, and calling out those who would rather you stay lonely and buy stuff
  • SOLVED! BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only!):  “Looks Maxing” & our initial thoughts on the invasion of Venezuela”

 

FOLLOW US ON:

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Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e

 

REFERENCES

Does Anyone Care That Young Women Are Just as Lonely as Men Are? - Cosmopolitan

What Did Men Do to Deserve This? - The New Yorker

The male loneliness epidemic is a myth - The Quinnapiac Chronicle

Don’t blame women for men’s loneliness. Blame capitalism - Salon

America glorifies what makes it lonely, and women silently pay the price | Opinion - USA Today

Unlocking Economic Mobility Through Social Connectedness - Purpose Building Communities

America has a loneliness epidemic. Here are 6 steps to address it (2023) - NPR (2023)

Why America Needs More Public Pools - The Atlantic

 

 

EXTRAS:

Best of the Left #1433 “The legacy of White Supremacy in schools, health care and public pools” (Aired: Aug. 10, 2021) 

“Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World” by Anand Giridharadas  (If you buy this book, or another, through this link, you support indie book stores and we get a small commission! Check out other great books on our Bookshop shelf)

“A Time to Be Cringe: Why Gen Z Needs Millennial Humor” (SOLVED! #29)

 

TAKE ACTION:

No Kings Next Steps

Free DC Project: FOR ALLIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY

One Million Rising Trainings

In a blue state? Help stop ICE overreach

Find your Indivisible group - or start one

 

Join our Discord Server

Reach us via Signal:

Bestoftheleft.01

Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

Produced by:

Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on Apple Podcasts!

Direct download: SAMPLE_SOLVED_31.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:11pm EDT

Air Date: 1/17/2026

There's a lot to be concerned about with AI but the biggest concern is the economic system we have in place at the moment when AI is being introduced. Capitalism is not a good steward of new and potentially dangerous technology, as we've seen from Zuckerberg's move-fast-and-break-things era of social media that he later recognized as having triggered a genocide. When the profit drive necessitates light-speed growth, ethical and safety considerations are the first things to be jettisoned and things get broken.

Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Full Show Notes

Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!

In honor of our 20th birthday, we're giving new Members 20% OFF FOR THE LIFETIME OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP...this includes Gift Memberships! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)

Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience!

Join our Discord community!


KEY POINTS

KP 1: What Sam Altman Doesn't Want You To Know - More Perfect Union - Air Date 12-19-25

KP 2: The AI Bubble Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-28-25

KP 3: The Hidden Forces Driving the AI Bubble Part 1 - Instant Genius - Air Date 11-13-25

KP 4: Desperate OpenAI Turns To Erotica - Novara Media - Air Date 10-16-25

KP 5: Avoiding Fake News in the AI Era Part 1 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 1-8-25

KP 6: Trump Considers Order to Override State Regulations on Artificial Intelligence - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 11-20-25


(00:48:47) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On why capitalism is the biggest problem of AI


DEEPER DIVES

(00:57:14) SECTION A: AL BUBBLE

A1: So Are We in an AI Bubble? Here Are Clues to Look for Part 1 - Planet Money - Air Date 1-9-25

A2: The Hidden Forces Driving the AI Bubble Part 2 - Instant Genius - Air Date 11-13-25

A3: The AI Bubble Part 2 - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-28-25

A4: AI Robot Slaves and Other CES Miracles Part 1 - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 1-12-26

A5: So Are We in an AI Bubble? Here Are Clues to Look for Part 2 - Planet Money - Air Date 1-9-25


(01:39:59) SECTION B: PORN AND SLOP

B1: Avoiding Fake News in the AI Era Part 2 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 1-8-25

B2: Deep Fakes, Data Centers, and AI Slop — Are We Cooked Part 1 - On the Media - Air Date 12-19-25

B3: Meet The Women Being Deepfaked Into Porn by AI - BBC - Air Date 9-4-24

B4: Digital Stimulation AI and Porn - The Economist - Air Date 12-10-25

B5: How AI Porn Isolates Us with Noelle Perdue Part 1 - The 404 Media Podcast - Air Date 12-9-25

B6: AI Robot Slaves and Other CES Miracles Part 2 - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 1-12-26

B7: How AI Porn Isolates Us with Noelle Perdue Part 2 - The 404 Media Podcast - Air Date 12-9-25


(02:30:14) SECTION C: REGULATION

C1: Two Proposed Bills Cover AI and Deep Fake Pornography in Indiana - WTHR - Air Date 1-2-26

C2: Deep Fakes, Data Centers, and AI Slop — Are We Cooked Part 2 - On the Media - Air Date 12-19-25

C3: AI 1 — Humanity 0 - Today, Explained - Air Date 12-17-25

C4: Trump Family Businesses Rake in $4 Billion After His Reelection with Focus on AI, Crypto, & Nuclear - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-6-26


SHOW IMAGE CREDITS

Description: Composite image of a high-tech robot running on a road while money falls into flames behind it.

Credit: Internal design. Images via Pixabay | Pixabay license

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!

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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Direct download: 1765_AI_Economy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

Air Date: 1/14/2026

Being a bad person who doesn't care about others is helpful in one's pursuit of becoming wealthy. However, becoming wealthy is also helpful in becoming a bad person who doesn't care about others, not that anyone sets out with this as a goal but it is a natural byproduct of wealth and the normal functioning of our market economy. What this means is that the nature of money, market dynamics, and wealth to corrode morality is a systemic problem, not a collection of individual failings, and should be addressed as such.

Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Full Show Notes

Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!

In honor of our 20th birthday, we're giving new Members 20% OFF FOR THE LIFETIME OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP...this includes Gift Memberships! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)

Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience!

Join our Discord community!


KEY POINTS

KP 1: The Truth About Income Inequality No One Told You - UNFTR Media - Air Date 7-21-25

KP 2: K-shaped Economy: Why the Wealthy Are Thriving as Most Americans Fall Behind - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 10-14-25

KP 3: Chris Hedges: The Warped Psychology of the Rich - The Chris Hedges YouTube Channel - Air Date 6-24-25

KP 4: The Capitalist Mindset - The Market Exit - Air Date 12-9-25

KP 5: How Power Corrupts Part 1 - The Art of Manliness - Air Date 4-6-22

KP 6: Where Are Americas Leaders? - Robert Reich and Inequality Media Civic Action - Air Date 1-6-26

KP 7: Why WORKERS Should OWN Companies - The Market Exit - Air Date 4-30-25


(00:48:50) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On all the reasons we need to squash wealth inequality


DEEPER DIVES

(01:02:59) SECTION A: THE EFFECTS OF WEALTH INEQUALITY

A1: The USA Is a "Third World" Country for Millions of Americans - Raising Wildflowers - Air Date 7-13-25

A2: The Shocking Truth About Wealth Inequality in America - Established Context - Air Date 2-22-2025

A3: How Wealth Corrupts Democracy with Christy McGillivray - Head in the Office - Air Date 10-24-25

A4: How Power Corrupts Part 2 - The Art of Manliness - Air Date 4-6-22

A5: UK Budget - The End of Democracy? Part 1 - Garys Economics - Air Date 11-23-25


(01:42:01) SECTION B: THE MINDSET OF THE RICH & POWERFUL

B1: RESOURCE WARS and the Economics of Scarcity with Richard D Wolff - Jacobin - Air Date 9-4-24

B2: Tax Is Not Theft: Why the “It’s My Money” Argument Is Wrong - Richard J Murphy - Air Date 12-18-25

B3: The Jacob Rees-Mogg Illusion: Why the Rich Think They’re the Victims - Barry's Economics - Air Date 11-16-25

B4: The Fraud Behind Our 'Thought Leaders' - The Chris Hedges YouTube Channel - Air Date 1-5-26


(02:18:09) SECTION C: TAX THE RICH

C1: 'People Are so Disgusted' - Economist Thomas Piketty on Why We Need a Wealth Tax - Channel 4 News - Air Date 12-10-25

C2: UK Budget - The End of Democracy? Part 2 - Garys Economics - Air Date 11-23-25


SHOW IMAGE CREDITS

Description: A horizontally split image of two photos: on top, an extravagant yacht sailing at sunset. On bottom, an open wallet with some $1 bills inside and some coins spilling out.

Credit: Internal composite design. Images: “Wallet” and “yacht” via Pixabay | Pixabay license

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!

Follow BotL: Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads | X

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Direct download: 1764_Wealth__Power_Hoarders.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:06pm EDT

Air Date: 1/9/2026

The Republican Party has been angry about every government service and regulation designed to help average people for at least the past 90 years. And, given any opportunity to hobble or destroy any of those services or regulations in the past decades, they've done just that. Now, after 15 years of striving to destroy the Affordable Care Act - itself originally a conservative plan from the Heritage Foundation (not joking) - they're using the cult-like hold that Trump has on the party to move faster and more recklessly than they are usually able. And again, average people are going to pay the price in both dollars and deaths.

Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Full Show Notes

Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!

In honor of our 20th birthday, we're giving new Members 20% OFF FOR THE LIFETIME OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP...this includes Gift Memberships! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)

Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience!

Join our Discord community!


KEY POINTS

KP 1: 20M Americans Set to Lose Healthcare Coverage Jan. 1 After Congress Goes on Recess - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-30-25

KP 2: Roundup Congress Skips Town Without ACA Vote, Trump Reclassifies Cannabis - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 12-19-25

KP 3: Getting Serious About Medicare For All with Dr. Abdul al-Sayed (Ep 313) Part 1 - The Bitchuation Room - Air Date 12-23-25

KP 4: TrumpRx - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-6-25

KP 5: Agonizing Choices on ACA Deadline Day Part 1 - Brian Lehrer_ A Daily Podcast - Air Date 12-15-25

KP 6: Medicare For All Non-Negotiable #3 Part 1 - UNFTR - Air Date 2-8-25

KP 7: Its Time for Medicare for All Part 1 - Solutions with Henry Blodget - Air Date 11-10-25


(00:56:07) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On how our health system harms everyone except the owners


DEEPER DIVES

(01:05:14) SECTION A: ACA SUBSIDIES

A1: Republicans and Obamacare, Again - Start Making Sense - Air Date 12-10-25

A2: Trump Keeps Claiming He Has a Health Care Plan, Flubs Congo Presidents Name, & Takes Another Nap - Jimmy Kimmel Live - Air Date 12-4-25

A3: Agonizing Choices on ACA Deadline Day Part 2 - Brian Lehrer A Daily Podcast - Air Date 12-15-25

A4: Federal Health Subsidies Are Expiring. Now, States Are Trying to Fill the Gap - Here & Now Anytime - Air Date 12-31-25

A5: Money Is What Matters (to Republicans) Part 1 The Hartmann Report - Air Date 12-30-25

A6: Medicare For All Is Still The Solution! Part 1 - Current Affairs - Air Date 1-15-25

A7: Old Man Shouts At People, and Other End of Year Observations, with Heather Digby Parton and 'Driftglass' - The Bradcast - Air Date 12-19-25


(01:57:02) SECTION B: DRUG PRICING

B1: TrumpRx Part 2 - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-6-25

B2: Its Time for Medicare for All Part 2 - Solutions with Henry Blodget - Air Date 11-10-25


(02:16:13) SECTION C: HEALTHCARE REFORM

C1: Medicare For All Is Still The Solution! Part 2 - Current Affairs - Air Date 1-15-25

C2: Getting Serious About Medicare For All with Dr. Abdul al-Sayed (Ep 313) Part 2 - The Bitchuation Room - Air Date 12-23-25

C3: Medicare For All Non-Negotiable #3 Part 2 - UNFTR - Air Date 2-8-25

C4: Money Is What Matters (to Republicans) Part 2 - The Hartmann Report - Air Date 12-30-25


SHOW IMAGE CREDITS

Description: Photo of a doctor’s stethoscope laying on top of $5 and $20 bills.

Credit: “Stethoscope On Money” by George Hodan | https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/

 

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Direct download: 1763_Healthcare.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:51am EDT

Original Air Date: 2/8/2019
 
Amid the ongoing fallout of a contested presidential election, we take a look back, briefly, at the last 100 years of Venezuelan history to understand how they went from oil riches and inequality to revolution and social progress only to run afoul of American imperialism.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Attempted Coup in Venezuela with Abby Martin, Greg Wilpert, Paul Jay - @TheRealNews - Air Date 1-26-19

Sharmini Peries hosts a wide-ranging conversation about the US-backed attempted coup in Venezuela

Ch. 2: How Did Venezuela Go From So Rich To So Poor - The Inquiry - Air Date 5-10-17

Venezuela was split between the rich and poor. Politicians lead the way to oil reliance.

Ch. 3: Venezuela in Crisis- Defending the Bolivarian Revolution - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 7-29-17

Topics Include: Hugo Chavez, the Constituent Assembly, the opposition, the Venezuelan Communes, the concept of dual power, Jacobin Magazine and the Bolivarian Revolution

Ch. 4: Is Donald Trump waging a coup in Venezuela? - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 1-25-19

You need to be paying attention to what's happening in Venezuela. Eva Golinger joins Michael Brooks and the Majority Report crew to discuss this.

Ch. 5: Maduro’s Corruption Pushed Venezuela Further Into Economic DISASTER - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date 2-2-19

Ivan Briscoe, Latin America and Caribbean program director for Crisis Group, joins Ring of Fire’s Sam Seder, to talk about Maduro's corruption and Venezuela's economic disaster.

Ch. 6: Jorge Martin on what’s next for Venezuela’s Bolivarian revolution? - @ThisIsHellRadio - Air Date 5-25-18

Writer Jorge Martin examines the two futures of Venezuela and the Bolivarian revolution. Jorge wrote the article “Maduro Wins Presidential Election, Despite Imperialist Meddling – What Next?”

Ch. 7: The Yankee Plot to Overthrow Nicolás Maduro and Steal Venezuela’s Oil - The Intercept - Air Date 2-2-19

This push for regime change in Venezuela did not appear in a vacuum. The CIA has been plotting with so-called rebels in Venezuela from the early days of the Trump administration.

Ch. 8: As U.S. Moves to Oust Maduro, Is Invading Venezuela Next? Allan Nairn on Trump’s Attempted Coup - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 1-30-19

Investigative journalist Allan Nairn explains many aspects of the US attempts at a coup in Venezuela

Ch. 9: Many Countries at UN Oppose Trump Interference in Venezuela - @TheRealNews - Air Date 1-29-19

Larry Wilkerson joins Paul Jay discuss why countries that claim to support the UN and international law are supportive of US imperialistic escapades

Ch. 10. Bonus Edition #137 Propaganda by poem and whole lot more about Venezuela

Jay shares a ton of additional content on Venezuela and muses on the developing pattern of the Trump administration using poem-based propaganda


 

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Air Date: 1/3/2026

Imperialism is best thought of as a "Wealth Pump," extracting wealth from one country and depositing it in another. Venezuela has wealth and wealth is the only thing Trump cares about, his willingness to break his promise of being the peace president and go along with traditional Republican hawks is not a complicated mystery.

Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Full Show Notes

Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!

In honor of our 20th birthday, we're giving new Members 20% OFF FOR THE LIFETIME OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP...this includes Gift Memberships! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)

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KEY POINTS

KP 1: 'Clearly B.S.': Dem Rep. Slams Hegseth's Explanation for Boat Strikes - MS NOW Reports - Air Date 12-30-25

KP 2: Trump Admits Venezuela Attacks Are All About Their Oil - The Majority Report W/ Sam Seder - Air Date 12-18-25

KP 3: What's Behind Trump's Christmas Strikes on Nigeria? Anti-Christian Genocide or Appeasing MAGA Base? - Democracy Now ! - Air Date 12-29-25

KP 4: Trump, Venezuela, and the New Cold War with China | Pinch Point - Al Jazeera English - Air Date 11-27-25

KP 5: "Trump Has Appointed Himself Judge, Jury, and Executioner" - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 12-12-25

KP 6: Venezuela to Trump’s ‘Total Blockade’: You Will Never Colonize Us - The Socialist Program with Brian Becker - Air Date 12-17-25


(00:48:15) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On the structure of imperialism


DEEPER DIVES

(01:02:10) SECTION A: DRUG WAR BS

A1: Bonus - Venezuela, the Drug War, and U.S. Power in the Caribbean with Aileen Teague - American Prestige - Air Date 12-28-25

A2: US Strikes Against Venezuela: Trump “Wants the Oil” as Grassroots Resist “Economic Asphyxiation” - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-31-25

A3: New Regime-Change War Dropped with Ken Klippenstein & Wajahat Ali - The Bitchuation Room - Air Date 9-5-25

A4: US Uses Drug Trafficking as Pretence to Force Regime Change in Venezuela - FRANCE 24 English - Air Date 10-16-25

A5: Collateral Damage - Airborne Imperialism: The Tragic Deaths of Veronica and Charity Bowers - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 12-26-25


(01:41:05) SECTION B: THE MONROE DOCTRINE 2.0

B1: 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for Anti-Maduro Leader María Corina Machado “Opposite of Peace”: Greg Grandin - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-10-25

B2: Trump's Piracy in the Caribbean - The Real News Podcast - Air Date 12-23-25

B3: Why Do Horrible People Keep Winning Nobel Peace Prizes? - Overzealots - Air Date 11-15-25

B4: USA Is the Worst Pirate on Earth: Trump Boasts of Stealing Venezuela's Oil - Geopolitical Economy Report - Air Date 12-26-25

B5: Exposing Trump’s Latin America Policy and Why It Will Fail with Richard Wolff - The Socialist Program with Brian Becker - Air Date 12-17-25


(02:20:52) SECTION C: NIGERIA BOMBING

C1: Inside Nigeria's Bombed Border Communities - Focus on Africa - Air Date 12-29-25

C2: Breaking Down US Strikes on ISIS in Nigeria and the Complicated Conflict There - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 12-26-25


(02:37:40) SECTION D: WAR WITH VENEZUELA

D1: Trump's Regime Change Operation Ramps Up with Blockade of Venezuelan Oil - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-17-25

D2: They Finally Admitted Its All Fake - Chris Norlund - Air Date 12-29-25

D3: Loose Lips Trump Blabs About Covert Venezuela Mission; Appears To Be Making It Up As He Goes - The Briefing with Jen Psaki - Air Date 12-30-25

D4: Venezuela? I Hardly Knew Ya - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 12-12-25

D5: Why a US Ground Invasion of Venezuela Would Be a Disaster | About That - CBC News - Air Date 12-19-25


SHOW IMAGE CREDITS

Description: Composite graphic showing Trump looking proudly at strikes on a small alleged “drug runner” boat while the corner of the image is flipped up revealing his arm grabbing barrels of Venezuelan oil.

Credit: Internal composite design, Elements from Pixabay | Pixabay License | Unclassified boat image from U.S. D.O.D. shared on social media.

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

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Direct download: 1762_The_Peace_President.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am EDT