Progressive Voices

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by CNN Military Analyst Cedric Leighton. Col. Leighton (USAF-Ret.) gives the latest updates on the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. He also discusses President Trump having tanks roll into Washington D.C. for the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army (but also for his own birthday, which is the same day as the parade). Finally, the two discuss the Trump administration siccing 2,000 National Guard troops on protesters who were demonstrating against the administration's deportation tactics. Then, Brad is joined by Tara Devlin, the host of the podcast, 'TARABUSTER.' The two discuss the meltdown between President Trump and Elon Musk, as well as how the mainstream media now seems to cover Billionaires like the third branch of Government. They also discuss the Trump administration siccing 2,000 National Guard troops on protesters who were demonstrating against the administration's deportation tactics. Col. Cedric Leighton is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a strategic risk and leadership consultancy serving global companies and organizations. He founded the company in 2010, after serving in the US Air Force for 27 years as an Intelligence Officer and attaining the rank of Colonel. His website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @CedricLeighton. bsky.social. Tara Devlin is a New York City based comedian, writer, and host of the unapologetically-liberal podcast "TARABUSTER.” Tarabuster is 5-star viewer-reviewed and 100% viewer-supported. Help keep the REAL liberal media going – and growing – by becoming a Patron of Tarabuster at Patreon.com/TaraDevlin. You can follow Tara on BlueSky at @tarabuster.bsky.social and on Instagram at @Taradackty. Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

Trump Wages War With California Uses Troops As Personal Army | Karel Cast 25-77 Donald Trump has activated the National Guard under a rarely-used Title X order—and he’s sending them into California, targeting Governor Newsom in what many are calling a personal war disguised as immigration enforcement. This alarming move mirrors the darkest chapters of history, echoing tactics used in 1930s Germany. Is this the beginning of a constitutional crisis? Is Trump creating his own private army to cement power and secure a third term? Also in this episode: the influencer world turns deadly on the Las Vegas Strip—violence caught on camera, clout-chasing gone too far. 👊 Join the conversation that pulls no punches. 🎙️ The Karel Cast is live Mon–Thurs at 10:30am PST. 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Spreaker & more. 📱 Follow on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube: @reallykarel 🙏 Support independent media: patreon.com/reallykarel

🇺🇸 Does America Have Just 1,251 Days Left? | Karel Cast Ep. 25-76 It’s been 209 days since Donald Trump returned to power — and with 1,251 days left in his term, America faces a crisis like never before. From LGBTQ+ hatred and xenophobic travel bans to attacks on reproductive rights and democracy itself, this presidency feels like an unrelenting nightmare. Can our nation survive the next 1,251 days? In today’s Karel Cast, we break down the damage already done — and what’s at stake if we don’t stand up. From climate denial to defunding healthcare, the assault is daily. So we ask: Will America make it to the next election intact? 🔥 Support independent media: patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Subscribe & Watch: youtube.com/reallykarel 🎙 Listen Mon–Thurs 10:30AM PST on all major platforms. 📱 Follow on TikTok & Instagram @reallykarel ⸻ Hashtags: #AmericanDemocracy, #LGBTQRights, #ClimateCrisis, #WomensRights, #Trump2025, #Resist, #PoliticalCommentary, #ProgressiveVoices, #StopTheHate, #SaveDemocracy, #KarelCast, #IndependentMedia, #HumanRights, #Authoritarianism, #TrumpWatch, #USA2025, #DailyNews, #PoliticalPodcast, #LGBTQMedia, #KarelLive

🚨 Trump vs Pride: Why the Politics of Hate Is Escalating | Karel Cast Ep. 25-75 🌈 IIn this powerful episode of the Karel Cast, we break down the GOP’s growing war on LGBTQ rights and visibility. Trump’s administration just erased Harvey Milk’s name from a Navy ship — during Pride Month — and declared June as “Title IX Month” instead, twisting the law to target trans rights. This isn’t new — the GOP has a long, shameful history of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. But we won’t be erased. They can cancel a month, but they can’t cancel Pride — because Pride is protest, resilience, and love. Also in this episode: 🐾 New science proves pets improve mental health — so why is pet ownership still restricted in so many places? 💊 A new pill could extend your large dog’s life — would you use it? 👉 Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Watch more at youtube.com/reallykarel 🎧 Listen on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, and more 📱 Follow on TikTok & Instagram @reallykarel ⸻ Hashtags: #LGBTQRights, #PrideMonth2025, #HarveyMilk, #TrumpHate, #TitleIX, #TransRightsAreHumanRights, #GOPAgenda, #QueerVoices, #PrideIsAProtest, #KarelCast, #PetWellness, #DogLifeExtension, #MentalHealthMatters, #LGBTQNews, #ProgressiveMedia, #CancelHate, #PrideNotPolitics, #QueerSolidarity, #StopTheHate, #PoliticalCommentary

Why So Many Americans Feel Helpless — And How to Break Free | Karel Cast Ep. 25-74 ⸻ Description: Do you ever feel like nothing you do matters? Climate change, skyrocketing prices, broken politics — and yet the most common reaction is: “What can I even do?” You’re not alone — helplessness is becoming America’s national mood. In this bold episode of the Karel Cast, we dig into: • Why that feeling of helplessness is more than just personal — it’s systemic. • How it creeps into your identity without you realizing. • The shockingly simple cure most people ignore. • What hypernormalization is — and how it keeps you stuck. • Plus: Why seniors are suddenly turning to cannabis in record numbers. 🍃 👊 Time to take your power back. 🧠 Time to wake up. 🔥 Time to stop feeling helpless. ⸻ 👉 Support the show: patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Subscribe & watch more: youtube.com/reallykarel 🎧 Stream on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker & more 📱 Follow on TikTok and Instagram: @reallykarel 🎙️ Live Mon–Thurs @ 10:30 AM PST ⸻ Hashtags: #KarelCast, #FeelingHelpless, #ClimateAnxiety, #CostOfLivingCrisis, #PoliticalFatigue, #Hypernormalization, #FightTheSystem, #CannabisSeniors, #SeniorHealth, #LGBTQVoices, #WakeUpAmerica, #EmpowerYourself, #TalkShow, #PodcastClips, #ProgressiveMedia, #RealTalk, #MentalHealthMatters, #IdentityCrisis, #DoSomething, #SocialAwareness https://youtube.com/live/a5563S8Q6GQ

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by Kate Ackley, a Senior Reporter for Bloomberg Government. Kate shares a a general status update of the lobby industry under President Trump. Then, she and Brad talk about the lobby efforts on the House reconciliation budget bill, and the higher education executive orders. Then, Brad is joined by Sarah Jones, the Editor-in-Chief of Politicus USA. The two discuss President Trump's broken promises on inflation and Ukraine, he and the House Republicans' big bad budget bill, Musk getting out of DOGE, and RFK Jr. on vaccines (or lack thereof). Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

Is Trump Actually Good for Gay Pride? The Truth Behind Corporate Pullouts 🏳️‍🌈🔥 | Karel Cast Ep. 25-73 Description: Is Donald Trump actually doing the LGBTQ+ community a favor? In this episode of the Karel Cast, we dive into the recent backlash as companies pull out of Pride events due to anti-DEI rhetoric — and why that might not be the worst thing. Corporations are bailing, boycotts are being threatened, and people are outraged… but maybe it’s time we remember that Pride started as a riot, not a sponsored party. Maybe it’s time to take our power back — and stop relying on brands for validation. Also in this episode: 🔥 A man throws fire at a crowd — the media frenzy begins: immigration, Free Palestine, and fear-mongering. 🎨 AI is taking over art, film, and writing — but what happens to the human in the humanities? 👉 Support the Karel Cast at patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Watch, like, and subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel 🎧 Listen on Apple Music, Spotify, iHeart, and all major platforms 📱 Catch more on TikTok and Instagram @reallykarel 🎙️ Live Mon–Thurs at 10:30 AM PST

Leslie is joined by Liz Shuler, President of the 63 unions and over 15 million members of the AFL-CIO, and the first woman leader of America’s labor movement. The pair discusses the Supreme Court ruling upholding Trump's firings of the National Labor Relations Board and Merit Systems Protection Board members, the draconian House budget bill, and the field hearings the Union conducted through the 'Department of People Who Work for a Living,' which they released a report on last week. The website for the AFL-CIO is www.AFLCIO.org and their BlueSky handle is @aflcio.org. Liz's handle is @lizshuler.bsky.social.

Leslie is joined by Lily Roberts, Managing Director for Inclusive Growth at the Center for American Progress. The two first react to Senator Joni Ernst, after an audience member yells, “People will die,” during her discussion on Medicaid cuts at a town hall this morning, replying, “Well, we all are going to die.” Leslie and Lily then discuss the disastrous approach to food stamps (SNAP) in the House Republican passed 'Big Beautiful Bill.' The House-passed version: A. Would cut off some or all food assistance for 11 million people (4 million of those are kids) due to subjecting new groups of people (parents of young kids, older people, people who live in parts of the country where jobs are scarce) to additional paperwork requirements. B. Eliminates the national guarantee that whether you live in New York or Mississippi, you won’t go hungry. This has been the bottom line of food support and anti-poverty in the US for 60 years. Now, states will be required to foot part of the bill for SNAP, which many of them can’t afford. C. Guts SNAP as one of our best anti-recession tools – it keeps recessions from becoming depressions. SNAP immediately gets small dollars to the people who need money most, and it’s spent nearly instantly in local communities. Funding changes and cuts will doubly punish states during recessions. That’s important now, as we deal with economic uncertainty and a food safety net (food pantries, free school lunch, farmer grant programs) that have already been gutted by DOGE so can’t step in to help. The website for the Center for American Progress is www.AmericanProgress.org and their handle on BlueSky is @americanprogress.bsky.social. Lily's BlueSky handle is @lilyroberts.bsky.social. (Image Credit: Getty Images)

The Real Evil in “Sinners” Has Nothing to Do with Vampires | Karel Cast 25-72 ⸻ Description: I watched Sinners, and yes—it’s as good as the buzz. But the real horror? It’s not the vampires. It’s something deeper, more human, and far more terrifying. And the worst part? We let it survive. In this episode of the Karel Cast, I dig into the hidden themes of Sinners, the moral blindness we embrace, and how we reflect that same evil in real life. 📺 Plus: TV isn’t just mindless entertainment—catching up on 9-1-1 made me rethink some life choices. It’s never too late to stop making the same old mistakes, is it? 🌡️ Also: California and Nevada are roasting again—record heat, severe drought—and what are officials doing to prepare? Not much. Let’s talk about it. 👉 LIKE, comment, and SUBSCRIBE at youtube.com/reallykarel ❤️ Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel 🎙️ New episodes stream live Mon–Thurs @ 10:30AM PST across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker, and more. 📱 Follow on TikTok & Instagram: @reallykarel ⸻ Hashtags: #KarelCast, #MovieReview, #SinnersMovie, #VampireMovies, #HiddenEvil, #MoralBlindness, #TVLessons, #911onTV, #Heatwave2025, #ClimateCrisis, #NevadaNews, #CaliforniaDrought, #SocialCommentary, #CulturalCritique, #LGBTQVoices, #UnfilteredTalk, #IndependentMedia, #PodcastClip, #RealityCheck, #MediaAnalysis

Why Society Keeps Collapsing—And We Just Pretend It’s Fine | Karel Cast 25-71 Description: Our world is unraveling, but we’re too busy pretending everything’s normal. In today’s Karel Cast, I break down a powerful article on hypernormalization—how we normalize the absurd and destructive just to keep functioning. Sound familiar? It should. Also: The anti-LGBTQ+ agenda continues to escalate. Where does it end? What is the ultimate goal of those targeting queer lives and rights? Plus, Trump’s latest move? Pardoning reality show felons. How much lower can it go? 👉 WATCH, like, and subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel 💬 Join the convo in the comments ❤️ Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel 🎙️ The Karel Cast streams Mon–Thurs @ 10:30AM PST on all major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and more. 📱 Follow for more on TikTok & Instagram: @reallykarel

This week on CodeWACK! Medicare for All is back in the spotlight! With two new bills recently introduced in Congress, what makes these proposals different from earlier versions— and why are some advocates feeling hopeful, even in the current political climate? What would a truly public, universal health care system look like, and how could it help curb the soaring costs, corporate greed, and bureaucracy plaguing our current system? To unpack this, we spoke with Rachel Madley, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Center for Health and Democracy. A former health policy advisor to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal — lead sponsor of the House Medicare for All bill — Rachel helped shape and reintroduce the landmark legislation in 2023. She’s also a former FDA staffer and holds a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from Columbia University, where she was active in both Physicians for a National Health Program and Students for a National Health Program.

Why the “Big Beautiful Bill” Is a Big Fat Lie — And No One’s Talking About It Description: In this episode of The Karel Cast, we dig into the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” — praised in headlines but deeply flawed beneath the surface. While the Senate nitpicks over details, no one is asking the real question: why is this bill just bad for Americans, full stop? Karel breaks down the bigger picture lawmakers ignore and why this is a pattern that keeps hurting everyday people. Next, we tackle the $750,000 budget hole at NYC Pride and the growing financial crisis facing LGBTQ+ Pride events nationwide. A recent survey shows consumers are now twice as likely to avoid brands that support Pride. Is this Trump’s fault? Not exactly. Karel has a sharper take. Finally, a little keyboard chaos: Karel got into it online with a journalist covering the Nevada Gay Rodeo. What sparked the drama? Let’s just say it involves clout-chasing, rodeos, and a whole lotta ego. 🔥 Unfiltered. Honest. Bold as ever. 🟢 Support the show: patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Watch + Subscribe: youtube.com/reallykarel 🎧 Stream anywhere: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker & more 📱 Follow on TikTok + Instagram: @reallykarel 📍 Live Mon–Thurs at 10:30am PST

$7 Coffee? $3 Cream? Restaurant Tries to Defend INSANE Prices — It Backfires Description: In today’s episode of The Karel Cast, we dive into the viral backlash against Ain’t Normal Coffee in Oakland after a reviewer called them out for charging $3 extra for a splash of half and half. The owner says it’s unfair criticism — but is it really? When coffee already costs up to $10, and a scone is $7, how much is too much? We also tackle the global double standard in media outrage: Gaza’s ongoing devastation continues, yet a single violent incident in the U.S. involving Israelis sparks international headlines. Why is one life valued over another in public discourse? Plus, let’s get personal — when someone says “I need space” in a relationship, what does that even mean? Karel shares a raw and honest take on emotional distance and what it really signals. 🔥 Tune in for bold opinions, unfiltered honesty, and the truth you’re not hearing anywhere else. 🟢 Support the show: patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Watch + Subscribe: youtube.com/reallykarel 🎧 Stream anywhere: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker & more 📱 Follow on TikTok + Instagram: @reallykarel 📍 Live Mon–Thurs at 10:30am PST

💀 30 Americans Die EVERY Hour From This Hidden Killer | Karel Cast Ep. 25-68 You hear about cancer, heart disease, and accidents — but the #3 leading cause of death in the USA? You probably haven’t been told the full truth. ➡️ Medical errors claim 100,000 lives a year — that’s 30 people per hour. And no, these aren’t rare mistakes… they’re disturbingly common. 💔 I lost the most important person in my life to this, and 24 years later, I still don’t trust the medical system — and after this episode, you might not either. 🚀 Meanwhile, Trump wants to weaponize space with a “golden dome” of defense — but who actually owns space? And what happens when other countries respond in kind? This could trigger a dangerous new arms race above Earth. ⚖️ Plus: I want to lose weight the old-fashioned way — but is that foolish in today’s shortcut-obsessed world? 🎧 Watch & listen to The Karel Cast, now streaming everywhere — Apple, Spotify, iHeart, YouTube, TikTok, and more. 💖 Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Subscribe: YouTube.com/reallykarel

Are you handsome/pretty? Can you read a TelePrompter convincingly? Are you willing to compromise whatever personal values you might hold in exchange for fame and fortune (of course, if you’re already ideologically aligned, so much the better)? If you answered all those questions “yes,” then you too could be a part of State Television, aka Fox News. Most presidents feverishly vet their cabinet and functionaries to ensure competence and integrity. This administration has a different approach. There are only two bars to clear. First, are you loyal to Donald Trump, no matter what, and second, has he admired you on Fox News. We’ll go through the list in this short commentary. I hope you’ll listen.

This week on CodeWACK! Which states have received the highest scores in the rePROs Fight Back’s 13th annual 50-state report card on sexual and reproductive health and rights released in March -- and why? And what specific threats - whether federal, state or local - should reproductive rights advocates be most concerned about? And what policies should they be promoting? To find out, we spoke with Jennie Wetter, Director of the rePROs Fight Back initiative at The Population Institute, where she champions sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice every day. Jennie also hosts the rePros Fight Back Podcast, offering deep dives into abortion access, birth control, sex ed, LGBTQ+ rights, and This is part two of a powerful two-part series with Jennie.

America’s Budget Battle EXPOSES a Harsh Truth | Karel Cast 25-67 💥 You spend money on what matters. So why is the U.S. government slashing Medicare, Medicaid, food aid, and education — but pouring billions into war and tax cuts for the wealthy? The answer is painful: America has an empathy problem. And it’s killing us. 🇺🇸 Politicians reflect the people. When Biden revealed his cancer diagnosis, the right didn’t respond with compassion — they mocked him, spread conspiracies, and celebrated. What does that say about us? 💣 Is the U.S. on the brink of collapse — or already past the point of no return? This isn’t a rant. It’s a reality check. 👀 Plus, the Diddy drama deepens — and what was reportedly found in his hotel room is shocking. Drug cocktails, bizarre personal items… it paints a dark picture of celebrity excess and self-destruction. 🎧 Watch the full Karel Cast now and join the conversation that isn’t afraid to say what others won’t. 👉 Watch, Subscribe, and Support: 🌐 reallykarel.com 📢 patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 YouTube: @ReallyKarel 🎙️ Streaming on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, and all major platforms #EmpathyCrisis, #BidenHealth, #USPolitics2025, #BudgetCuts, #MedicareMatters, #FoodStamps, #AmericanDecline, #PoliticalCommentary, #TruthTellers, #KarelCast, #DiddyControversy, #CelebrityCulture, #DrugAddictionAwareness, #ViralPodcast, #LasVegasLife, #LGBTQVoices, #RealTalk, #YouTubeNews, #CultureCritique, #CurrentEvents https://youtube.com/live/zbn9dI8idqI

🚨 Biden’s Cancer Battle, AI Griefbots, and the Price of Fame | Karel Cast Ep. 25-66 President Joe Biden is battling aggressive prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9 and bone metastasis. At 81, is this the end of the road—or just the beginning of a tougher fight? We break it all down. 🧠💀 Griefbots are here. Yes, your loved ones can now interact with a digital version of you after you’re gone. Your face, your voice, your memories—kept alive by AI. But is this innovation comforting, creepy, or just dangerous? 💸 Would you rather be rich or famous? Ben Affleck says money over fame—and I’ve got thoughts. Is celebrity worth the cost? 🎧 Watch the full episode now on YouTube and listen on all major platforms. 📲 Subscribe: https://youtube.com/reallykarel 🌐 Follow @ReallyKarel on socials and visit reallykarel.com 🎙️ The Karel Cast: Bold, unfiltered commentary from trailblazing LGBTQ+ host Karel, coming to you from Las Vegas with his dog Ember.

Leslie Marshall Show - A Non-Partisan View on U.S. Tariffs with AAM President Scott Paul by Progressive Voices