Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy
Expertly-curated progressive politics, news, and culture produced by leftist humans, not algorithms or AI. This is an award-winning podcast that dives deeply into a wide range of national and international issues facing society and governments. We draw from hundreds of sources of progressive news and commentary. Est. 2006. Save time by listening to a range of perspectives on a focused topic in each episode and be introduced to new sources you will not have come across on your own!
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#1737 State of the Resistance: Labor, Anger, and Knowing That We've Been Here Before
09/16/2025
#1737 State of the Resistance: Labor, Anger, and Knowing That We've Been Here Before
Air Date 9/16/2025 Between recent Labor Day rallies and Republican Town Hall meetings, we're seeing that resistance to Trump's deeply unpopular policies is alive and well. Plus we're going to look at some historical legacies of resistance movements that can both inform and inspire us 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 Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) KEY POINTS KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: KP 7: (00:53:35) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On what our history can tell us about our present political conflict DEEPER DIVES (01:03:18) SECTION A: LABOR DAY A1: A2: A3: A4: (01:36:45) SECTION B: PROTESTS B1: B2: B3: B4: (02:08:57) SECTION C: STATE-LEVEL PUSHBACK C1: C2: C3: C4: C5: (02:39:21) SECTION D: LEGACIES OF RESISTANCE D1: D2: D3: D4: D5: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Photo from the Labor Day rally in Boston depicting Sen. Ed Markey, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren holding a “Workers” banner with other participants. Tall, vertical rally flags are held behind them that say “Justice”, “Solidarity,” “Fairness,” “Security,” and “Freedom” Credit: Internal photo. “Boston Labor Day Rally” | Copyright 2025, Best of the Left, All rights reserved. Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at
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#1736 Not the Opposition Party the Country Need Right Now
09/11/2025
#1736 Not the Opposition Party the Country Need Right Now
Air Date 9/11/2025 I've always learned the high-level understanding that the Nazis were partly able to come to power because the opposition at the time was too caught up with infighting to create a coherent resistance. With hindsight, it's easy to lament how badly they miscalculated the circumstances but living through the modern day and watching the Democratic Party struggle gives even more clarity to how that kind of inability to get organized in the face of existential threats to democracy can happen. 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 Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) ! KEY POINTS KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: (00:50:07) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On the murder of Charlie Kirk DEEPER DIVES (01:04:12) SECTION A: DARK MONEY AND THE INFLUENCER WAR (02:01:36) SECTION B: AIPAC, ISRAEL, AND COMPLICITY (02:46:14) SECTION C: MOSTLY WEAK BUT SIGNS OF LIFE SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: A graphic illustration depicting a donkey colored in red and blue, with stars, looking in shock at its shadow on the ground. Credit: “” by | Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at [email protected]
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#1735 Trump's Making Friends of Enemies and Enemies of Neighbors (Foreign and Domestic Wars)
09/07/2025
#1735 Trump's Making Friends of Enemies and Enemies of Neighbors (Foreign and Domestic Wars)
Air Date 9/7/2025 Trump has been setting a new tone both at home and abroad which is shaking up everything from the war in Ukraine to threats of force against Mexico, Venezuela, and our own American cities with the militarization of domestic policing. And we made all of this before Trump posted an Apocalypse Now meme about using the Department of War against Chicago. 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 KEY POINTS KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: KP 7: KP 8: (00:56:33) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On encroaching fascism and the Boston Massacre DEEPER DIVES (01:07:01) SECTION A: UKRAINE A1: A2: A3: A4: A5: A6: (01:47:03) SECTION B: MEXICO & VENEZUELA B1: B2: B3: B4: (02:11:53) SECTION C: THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT C1: C2: C3: (02:37:10) SECTION D: DC AND US CITIES D1: D2: D3: D4: D5: D6: D7: D8: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: A sticker depicting a drawing of a police person in full riot gear, gas mask and visor, holding a baton in their hands with a banner underneath that says “Do you feel safe?” Credit: “” by Elvert Barnes | | Changes: Cropped Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at [email protected]
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SOLVED! #21 - GerryF**ked: How to Fix Congressional Representation and End Homelessness
09/05/2025
SOLVED! #21 - GerryF**ked: How to Fix Congressional Representation and End Homelessness
Air Date: 9–3-25 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: Ch. 1 - The surprising origins of Gerrymandering Ch. 2 - The options we have to improve congressional representation for everyone in the country Ch. 3 - Democratic states response to Republican gerrymandering threats Ch. 4 - The argument for DC statehood and the people to blame for why it hasn’t happened yet Ch. 5 - How to end homelessness and what you can do to help those being targeted in DC SOLVED! BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm: The only correct opinion about the Cracker Barrel rebrand (This episode drops on YouTube on Friday - please share!) Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e REFERENCES: - The Gilder Lehrman Institute - The New Yorker (2016) - FairVote - The New Republic - Slate - The American Prospect - Mother Jones MEMBERS - Kotaku EXTRAS (aka: Corruption is Legal in America) (Represent.US, 2016)
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#1567 How to Sell an Immoral Economic System to the Masses (Throwback)
09/03/2025
#1567 How to Sell an Immoral Economic System to the Masses (Throwback)
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, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) ! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Ch. 2: Ch. 3: Ch. 4: Ch. 5: Ch. 6: Ch. 7: Ch. 8: Ch. 9: Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | |
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#1734 Where is the Revolutionary, Anti-Fascist Art?
09/01/2025
#1734 Where is the Revolutionary, Anti-Fascist Art?
Air Date 9/1/2025 The way people consume almost every variety of media, entertainment, and art is different now than it was only 10-15 years ago. That means that the way protest music, revolutionary art, and even mass market productions and performances are going to be different, feel different, and likely find you in different ways than in the past. But the drive to create never dies and art will always be part of the resistance to oppression. 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 Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop and for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! ! KEY POINTS (00:49:08) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On the strength of diversity that comes through in art DEEPER DIVES (00:56:08) SECTION A: CULTURE (01:29:28) SECTION B: ART (02:20:20) SECTION C: MUSIC (02:46:54) SECTION D: ANDOR SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Photo of street art depicting a stenciled version of Putin and Trump kissing a la the art on the Berlin Wall satirically depicting the “fraternal kiss” between the leaders of the Soviet Union and the German Democratic Republic. Credit: “” by Ittmust | | Changes: Slightly cropped
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SOLVED! #20 - America’s Brain Drain: How Scientific Empires Fall
08/29/2025
SOLVED! #20 - America’s Brain Drain: How Scientific Empires Fall
Air Date: 8–28-25 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: Ch. 1 - How scientific empires fall Ch. 2 - How fascists of the past have destroyed their country’s scientific progress in fear of inconvenient truths Ch. 3 - How other countries are taking the opportunity to poach American scientists Ch. 4 - Living in a society that is shifting away from believing in evidence based science Ch. 5 - The 1938 pro-science manifesto that defended democracy against fascism BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm - Trump’s eugenicist mindset and what we didn’t have time for from our main articles FOLLOW US ON: (This episode drops on YouTube on Friday - please share!) Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e REFERENCES: - Kotaku - The Atlantic - American Laboratory - American Progress - NY Times - USC.org - Big Think MEMBERS ONLY - American Progress TAKE ACTION: Use the for scripts and to reach all your elected officials Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121 Find your - or start one Reach us via Signal: Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at
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#1733 The Impossible Promise of Make American Healthy Again: MAHA vs MAGA
08/27/2025
#1733 The Impossible Promise of Make American Healthy Again: MAHA vs MAGA
Air Date 8/27/2025 RFK Jr. and the Make America Healthy Again movement aren't completely wrong about everything, they often identify the larger structural problems with the US health industrial complex even if their proposed solutions are wildly off the mark. But the problem they failed to see coming when partnering with Trump and the Republicans is that they're only going to be allowed to misguidedly defund and dismantle parts of the government that support health which is in line with the broader burn-it-all-down vibes of the MAGA movement, but under no circumstances will they be allowed to implement new regulations that might actually do the public some good at the expense of corporate interests because that would go against the pro-corporate/deregulation obsession of the Republican Party. So, MAHA might be a mixed bag but what the country is getting is a lose/lose. 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 Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop and for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! ! KEY POINTS KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: KP 7: (00:53:06) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On why regulations are written in blood DEEPER DIVES (01:01:33) SECTION A: MAHA AGENDA A1: A2: A3: A4: A5: A6: A7: (01:53:49) SECTION B: THE GRIFTERS B1: B2: B3: B4: B5: (02:36:28) SECTION C: CON-TRADICTORY POLICIES C1: C2: C3: C4: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Composite image showing a circular screen grab showing from HHS Secretary RFK Jr. wearing the MAHA hat and pulling down the brim to show the “Make America Healthy Again” text, on a green background. Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman. Image Source: HHS “” by Sebaso, Wikimedia Commons | License: | Changes: Cropped Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at [email protected]
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#1732 It's Never Just About the Kids (Online Censorship, Age Verification, and the Project 2025 Agenda)
08/24/2025
#1732 It's Never Just About the Kids (Online Censorship, Age Verification, and the Project 2025 Agenda)
Air Date 8/24/2025 The nature of politics and public policy is that there's always a need to balance opposing interests. Almost nowhere is there a more intractable set of opposing interests than in the attempt to protect children from harmful content on the internet while maintaining free access to adults, particularly because people wildly disagree about what qualifies as harmful and what degree of privacy invasion is an acceptable tradeoff. 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 Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) ! KEY POINTS KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: (00:46:37) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On the need to demand serious arguments about serious issues DEEPER DIVES (00:52:04) SECTION A: AGE VERIFICATION (01:19:18) SECTION B: SAVE THE CHILDREN (01:45:50) SECTION C: CENSORSHIP (02:20:34) SECTION D: ANTI-PORN AGENDA SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Photo of a stack of protest signs that say “Fight for your digital rights!” Credit: “” by Sebaso, Wikimedia Commons | License: | Changes: Cropped Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Contact me directly at [email protected]
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#1731 Raw Power, the Presidency, the Courts, and Democracy in the Balance
08/20/2025
#1731 Raw Power, the Presidency, the Courts, and Democracy in the Balance
Air Date 8/20/2025 There's been a faction of conservatives who have been trying to instill king-like powers into the presidency for a long time, so it shouldn't be surprising that Trump is getting so much help from the packed court and the apparatchiks in the states who are more than happy to turn their precious federalism on its head as long as their king is in charge. 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 Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop and for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! ! KEY POINTS KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: KP 7: (00:50:56) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On how fascists run interference DEEPER DIVES (01:03:07) SECTION A: GRIFT AND FORCE A1: A2: A3: A4: A5: A6: A7: (02:00:53) SECTION B: GERRYMANDERING B1: B2: B3: B4: B5: B6: B7: (02:52:39) SECTION C: COURTS C1: C2: C3: C4: C5: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Image of a king of diamonds playing card with a king with orange skin and blonde hair, and a nervous expression on his face, against a dark American flag. Credit: “” via Pixabay | Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at [email protected]
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SOLVED! #19 - Big Data: Putting Digital Fingerprints in the Pie of Freedom
08/19/2025
SOLVED! #19 - Big Data: Putting Digital Fingerprints in the Pie of Freedom
Air Date: 8–19-25 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: Ch.1 - The Trump administration’s unprecedented attempts to get your data from the states Ch. 2 - Why Trump’s new private health tracking system is a wolf in sheep’s clothing Ch. 3 - How HIV patients suffering in the 80s, 90s and early 00s from constant health data breaches is a hint of what could come Ch. 4 - Why a new UK law trying to protect children from seeing terrible things online is doing more harm than good Ch. 5 - Tips on keeping your digital privacy intact as best as you can in this data hungry world BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only): How an activist organization used debanking to make video game companies censor their content, where that tactic might lead, and more. A funny thing happened on the way to recording… (blooper) FOLLOW US ON: (This episode drops on YouTube on Friday - please share!) Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e REFERENCES: - NY Times - Time - ACLU - EFF - Toms Guide - WizCase MEMBERS ONLY - Wired EXTRAS - SOLVED! (Recorded April 2025) (Source: ) TAKE ACTION: Use the for scripts and to reach all your elected officials Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
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#1730 The Axis of the Dark Personality Triad: Unfit Leaders and the Suffering They Cause
08/16/2025
#1730 The Axis of the Dark Personality Triad: Unfit Leaders and the Suffering They Cause
Air Date 8/16/2025 There's the old Douglas Adams quote stating that, "Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job" which is a good general rule to live by. But then there are the real baddies, those would-be leaders who possess one or more of the dark triad of traits that spells real doom for the societies that elevate them to power: narcissism, psychopathy, and machiavellianism. Today we compare and contrast Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Benjamin Netanyahu. Xi Jinping also fits nicely on this list as an honorable mention but happens to not be part of the focus today. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) ! Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop and for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! ! KEY POINTS KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: KP 7: (00:49:39) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On why humanity is better than we seem and how we can save ourselves DEEPER DIVES (00:57:15) SECTION A: TRUMP THE LIAR A1: A2: A3: A4: A5: (01:32:17) SECTION B: NETANYAHU THE MANIPULATOR B1: B2: B3: B4: B5: (02:09:13) SECTION C: PUTIN THE STRATEGIST C1: C2: C3: (02:27:11) SECTION D: MYTHS COLLAPSE D1: D2: D3: D4: (03:07:29) SECTION E: THE MEN BEHIND THE THRONE E1: E2: E3: E4: E5: E6: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: A composite image of a pleased-looking Trump holding up a triangle that says “The Dark Triad” in the center, and “Narcissism”, “Machiavellianism”, and “Psychopathy” along each side. Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Benjamin Netanyahu are pictured underneath. Credit: “” by Manitee71, Wikimedia Commons, License: | “ by DimitroSevastopol, Pixabay, License: | “” by Palácio do Planalto, Wikimedia Commons, License: | “” by Palácio do Planalto, Flickr, License: Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at [email protected]
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#1729 Monthly-ish Mix: Layers of Authoritarian Control and the Rising Resistance
08/12/2025
#1729 Monthly-ish Mix: Layers of Authoritarian Control and the Rising Resistance
Air Date 8/12/2025 The Monthly-ish Mix™ is here to get you caught up on recent news without being overwhelming! This month, we're covering the full spectrum of authoritarian threats—military in the streets, surveillance in our phones, conspiracies in our feeds, and corruption at the top—before turning to the grassroots organizers and Democratic Socialists who are building the resistance and winning. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop and for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! ! PART 1: DIRECT STATE VIOLENCE (00:01:34) 1: 2: 3: (00:22:14) 4: 5: 6: PART 2: SYSTEMIC DESTRUCTION (00:39:30) 7: 8: 8: (01:02:26) 10: 11: 12: PART 3: REALITY MANIPULATION (01:23:14) 13: 14: 15: (01:42:48) 16: 17: 18: 19: Part 4: Global Chaos (02:12:24) 20: 21: (02:32:30) 22: 23: 24: PART 5: BUILDING RESISTANCE (02:54:25) 25: 26: 27: (03:21:46) 28: 29: 30: Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at [email protected]
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SOLVED! #18 - How to Live Under Fascism
08/11/2025
SOLVED! #18 - How to Live Under Fascism
Air Date: 8–10-25 Today, Jay!, Amanda, and Deon (Erin was on vacation!) discuss: How modern fascism does not look like the jarring and brutal images people think of, and the “rituals of conformity” in Nazi Germany that remind us of another era we’ve lived through How despotism affects the citizen psyche and how to counter those effects The importance of countering Orwellian language under fascism Advice on living under authoritarianism, with a big focus on community for sanity and resistance BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only): A look at the way societies have collapsed throughout history and where the U.S. falls in the pattern FOLLOW US ON: (This episode drops on YouTube on Friday - please share!) Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e REFERENCES: - Vox - The Montreal Review - GaradeSud - Notes from the Circus (And Protect the People You Love) - Dispatch Revolution BACKSTAGE: - Phys.org TAKE ACTION: Use the for scripts and to reach all your elected officials Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121 Find your - or start one Reach us via Signal: Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at Contact me directly at [email protected] Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
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#1728 The Lawfare Presidency: The Case of Trump v. Journalism
08/10/2025
#1728 The Lawfare Presidency: The Case of Trump v. Journalism
Air Date 8/10/2025 Trump has been condemning the media for all of his professional life and is pretty open about doing it so that people won't believe the negative press he so richly deserves. Now, with the power of the presidency, he's turned his battle with the press into a protection racket complete with payoffs and side deals in an attempt to turn the media into pro-Trump propaganda. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop and for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! ! PART 1: DIRECT STATE VIOLENCE (00:01:34) 1: 2: 3: (00:22:14) 4: 5: 6: PART 2: SYSTEMIC DESTRUCTION (00:39:30) 7: 8: 8: (01:02:26) 10: 11: 12: PART 3: REALITY MANIPULATION (01:23:14) 13: 14: 15: (01:42:48) 16: 17: 18: 19: Part 4: Global Chaos (02:12:24) 20: 21: (02:32:30) 22: 23: 24: PART 5: BUILDING RESISTANCE (02:54:25) 25: 26: 27: (03:21:46) 28: 29: 30: Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at [email protected]
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#1727 Super-Powered Men For Good and Ill: Fascism, Media, and the Manoshpere
08/06/2025
#1727 Super-Powered Men For Good and Ill: Fascism, Media, and the Manoshpere
Air Date 8/6/2025 Today's slate of topics may feel disjointed at first until you realize that they're not. We set out to produce an episode in which we explored powerful men and those who look up to them from various angles and so that ended up including both real and fictional men from supervillains to superheroes. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) ! KEY POINTS KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: KP 7: KP 8: (01:02:25) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On why supporting the rich and powerful is pathetic DEEPER DIVES (01:10:31) SECTION A: RUSSIA (01:46:10) SECTION B: MANOSPHERE (02:21:33) SECTION C: DEBATE CULTURE (03:39:51) SECTION D: SUPERMAN/MEDIA
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#1573 Confronting Climate Chaos with Action and Adaptation (Throwback)
08/03/2025
#1573 Confronting Climate Chaos with Action and Adaptation (Throwback)
Original 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, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) ! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Ch. 2: Ch. 3: Ch. 4: Ch. 5: Ch. 6: Ch. 7: Ch. 8: Ch. 9: Ch. 10: Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at [email protected]
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SOLVED! #17 - How to Use the Bullsh*t Machine: A.I. LLMs’ insertion into childhood, school, work, and movements
08/02/2025
SOLVED! #17 - How to Use the Bullsh*t Machine: A.I. LLMs’ insertion into childhood, school, work, and movements
Air Date: 8-1-25 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: The impact of A.I. LLM “friend” bots on childhood development How using A.I. LLMs negatively impacts critical thinking and information retention The importance of understanding how A.I. LLM tools work before using them The ways in which A.I. LLM tools could and shouldn’t help movements on the Left, and evaluating the risks BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only!) - The Gen Z Stare, and the incidents of A.I. LLM-induced psychosis FOLLOW US ON: (This episode drops on YouTube on Friday - please share!) Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e REFERENCES: - The Atlantic - Time - The Conversation - The Atlantic - The Marginalian - Sacramento Bee - Harvard Kennedy School - Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation - Psychology Today TAKE ACTION: Use the for scripts and to reach all your elected officials Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121 Find your - or start one Reach us via Signal: Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at Contact me directly at [email protected] Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
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#1726 Epstein Forever: Trump flails as criticism finally comes from inside the MAGA house
07/31/2025
#1726 Epstein Forever: Trump flails as criticism finally comes from inside the MAGA house
Air Date: 7/31/2025 Who would have thought that a political movement built almost exclusively on conspiracy theories and a cult of personality would end up being threatened by the cult leader being implicated in the biggest and worst conspiracy coverup… even though it’s been well documented for decades? Content warning for detailed accusations leveled against Trump and Epstein by their alleged victims. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! Use our links to shop and for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! ! KEY POINTS KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: (00:51:26) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On the role of human psychology in conspiracies and authoritarianism DEEPER DIVES (00:58:55) SECTION A: THE VICTIMS SHOULD BE THE FOCUS A1: A2: A3: A4: (01:34:23) SECTION B: BROKEN NEWS: WE'VE HEARD THIS BEFORE B1: B2: (01:49:11) SECTION C: IS THERE A DEEPSTATE? C1: C2: C3: (02:14:19) SECTION D: ENIGMAS NEVER DIE D1: D2: D3: (02:39:05) SECTION E: THE MEDIA IS BAD THIS E1: E2: E3: (03:02:29) SECTION F: TRUMP & HIS BASE F1: F2: F3: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Photo of a bus stop in the UK with a large photo of Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump. An unidentifiable person in a hoodie and yellow vest is closing the bus stop frame. Credit: “” via Crowdfunder by user Everyone Hates Elon | Changes: Cropped Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at [email protected]
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#1725 A Flood of Disinformation: A World of Climate Change and Conspiracies
07/28/2025
#1725 A Flood of Disinformation: A World of Climate Change and Conspiracies
Air Date: 7-27-2025 Back when I worked in the climate movement, just after the turn of the century, we knew that the extreme weather we were warning about would become ever-more clear to see in people's lived experiences and assumed that any doubts people had about the science of climate change would be wiped away with the evidence they could see with their own eyes as weather became more intense and less predictable. Of course, we didn't foreseen that we were headed straight into the eye of a storm of partisan conspiracism that would fully take over a third of the political spectrum. But here we are, head for high ground. The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue by Mike Tidwell Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Full Show Notes Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop and for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! ! KEY POINTS KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: KP 7: (00:51:08) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On why we need to fight ignorance with research The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue by Mike Tidwell DEEPER DIVES (00:57:45) SECTION A: FLOOD DETAILS A1: A2: A3: A4: (01:33:24) SECTION B: FASCIST REGIME B1: B2: B3: B4: B5: B6: (02:13:59) SECTION C: CLIMATE POLICY CAPTURE C1: C2: C3: C4: C5: C6: C7: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Photograph of a damaged bridge in Kerr County, TX over the high river running under it in the wake of the deadly July flood. Credit: “” by World Central Kitchen, Flickr | License: | Changes: Cropped Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at [email protected]
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#1724 How to Socialism: Einstein liked socialism, you think you know better?
07/23/2025
#1724 How to Socialism: Einstein liked socialism, you think you know better?
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop and for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! ! KEY POINTS KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: (00:47:58) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On the US being inwardly focused to our own detriment DEEPER DIVES (00:57:10) SECTION A: HISTORICAL CONTEXT A1: A2: A3: A4: A5: (01:45:23) SECTION B: FAILURE TO LAUNCH B1: B2: B3: B4: (02:16:09) SECTION C: CAPITALISM SUCKS C1: C2: C3: (02:42:05) SECTION D: MAMDANI D1: D2: (02:55:29) SECTION E: VISION OF THE FUTURE E1: E2: E3: E4: E5: E6: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Image of a fist bursting out of the desolate, rocky ground. Credit: “” by olenchic, Pixabay | Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at [email protected]
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SOLVED! #16 - Under Pressure: Aiming Higher to Fix Societal Problems
07/22/2025
SOLVED! #16 - Under Pressure: Aiming Higher to Fix Societal Problems
Air Date: 7–22-25 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: The need for universal childcare and the pressure release valve of fighting your employer over working from home The need for universal benefits and the pressure release valve of gig workers fighting for a patchwork of crumbs from giant corporations The need to get rid of the business model of tipped jobs and the pressure release valve of fighting over tipping culture and taxing The need for expanded social welfare programs and better wages and the pressure release valve of expanding food banks The need for effective federal disaster support and universal healthcare and the press release valve of GoFundMe culture FOLLOW US ON: (This episode drops on YouTube on Friday - please share!) Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e REFERENCES: - Brookings Institute - Futurism - Inequality.org - The Guardian - Wessiler via Substack - The New York Times - MIT’s The Reader - Dropout.tv - The Conversation EXTRAS: - Snopes via Yahoo News - Marketplace - (Former Houston Chronicle digital)) TAKE ACTION: Use the for scripts and to reach all your elected officials Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121 Find your - or start one Reach us via Signal: Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at Contact me directly at [email protected] Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
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#1375 The Militia Movement is Having a Moment (Throwback)
07/18/2025
#1375 The Militia Movement is Having a Moment (Throwback)
Original Air Date: 10–16-2020 Today we take a look at the history and origins of the American militia movement right up to the recent plot to kidnap the Governor of Michigan, the likelihood of more violence and the high probability that they will show up at polling places on Election Day. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! ! Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop and for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! ! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Just months after President Trump tweeted for his supporters to "LIBERATE MICHIGAN!" the FBI has foiled an alleged plot to kidnap and take hostage Democratic Governor of Michigan Gretchen Whitmer. Ch. 2: A group of men plotting to kidnap the governor of Michigan met in Dublin. Ch. 3: Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, and Daryl Johnson, owner of DT Analytics and former senior analyst at the Department of Homeland Security, discuss the implications for the upcoming election. Ch. 4: Mary McCord, a law professor at Georgetown University & legal director at the school's Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection and an expert on unlawful militias that manage to be part of the political landscape while somehow escaping media. Ch. 5: This theory has become mainstream. Ch. 6: Armed vigilantes and militia groups are showing up to Black Lives Matter protests across the country. Ch. 7: Robert Evans explains what we need to do to avoid a second Civil War Ch. 8: Belew explains white supremacy is a cultural, social and political problem not just the pathology of a small number of people, what "white power" means, and how white supremacist and other right-wing foot soldiers preparing for various forms of "race war" Ch. 9: Donald Trump told his followers to "liberate Michigan". They answered by attempting to kidnap Governor Whitmer. SHOW IMAGE: "" & "" & "" by | | Changes: Composite of 3 different images, cropped, added black background and red design Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at [email protected]
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#1723 Scam Nation: Trumpism is the Art of Screwing You Over in Every Way Possible
07/16/2025
#1723 Scam Nation: Trumpism is the Art of Screwing You Over in Every Way Possible
Air Date 7/16/2025 It increasingly feels like we are completely past the era of legitimate differences in political philosophy and policy preferences. Now that the Republican governing style has been completely consumed by Trumpism, we've entered the era of scam politics which fits nicely with Trump's traditional retail scams, capitalism's continual reinvention of financial scams, and the new age of crypto scams. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop and for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! ! KEY POINTS KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: KP 7: KP 8: (00:56:27) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On how desperation drives scams and how progressive populism can turn the tide DEEPER DIVES (01:03:55) SECTION A: BIG BEAUTIFUL SCAM A1: A2: A3: A4: A5: A6: A7: A8: A9: A10: A11: (02:39:46) SECTION B: TRUMPS PERSONAL SCAMS B1: B2: B3: B4: B5: (03:19:19) SECTION C: OTHER SCAMS C1: C2: C3: C4: C5: C6: C7: C8: C9: C10: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Composite of a high contrast image of Trump smirking and giving a thumbs up, over the outline of the US filled in with the flag, and the word SCAM over his chest. Credit: Composite design A. Hoffman. Elements from Pixabay. , , | Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at [email protected]
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SOLVED! #15 - This is Propaganda Country: The Grotesque, Cruel, & Artificial Aesthetics of Modern Fascism
07/14/2025
SOLVED! #15 - This is Propaganda Country: The Grotesque, Cruel, & Artificial Aesthetics of Modern Fascism
Air Date: 7–13-25 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: ⁃ The calculated, propaganda motives behind “Mar-a-Lago face” and bizarre MAGA hyper-femininity ⁃ How MAGA uses Kristi Noem’s “Border Barbie” vibes to attempt to soften its vicious immigration policy, and project victimization ⁃ How bad AI imagery is now the look of modern fascism ⁃ The cruelty of the White House X account - a propaganda machine of memes (run by Groypers) ⁃ The Right’s psychopathic treatment of immigrants, and bracing ourselves for what’s coming next ⁃ …and more in BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (MEMBERS ONLY!) FOLLOW US ON: Bluesky Mastadon Instagram Facebook YouTube Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e REFERENCES: MAGA glam isn’t about beauty — it’s about politics - Vox The “Delicate, Beautiful, Tiny” Fascism of Kristi Noem - Mother Jones AI: The New Aesthetics of Fascism - New Socialist The Gleeful Cruelty of the White House X Account - The Atlantic The Right’s Cruelty to Immigrants Is Psychopathic - Current Affairs EXTRAS: @Novaramedia and @blindboyboatclub (The video on Trump and wrestling that Erin couldn’t recall during the show!) MEMBERS ONLY Systems are crumbling – but daily life continues. The dissonance is real - The Guardian TAKE ACTION: July 17th - National Day of Action - Good Trouble Lives On One Million Rising Trainings In a blue state? Help stop ICE overreach Use the 5 Calls app for scripts and to reach all your elected officials Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121 Find your Indivisible group - or start one Write to the DNC Join our Discord Server Reach us via Signal: Bestoftheleft.01 Leave a message at Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening!
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#1722 Imbalance of Powers: The Supreme Court and Executive Branch Collude for Unchecked Power Grab
07/12/2025
#1722 Imbalance of Powers: The Supreme Court and Executive Branch Collude for Unchecked Power Grab
Air Date 7/12/2025 The idea of the founders was to separate and balance the powers of the federal government and that, as Madison wrote, that ambition would counteract ambition. The problem we face now is that the ambition of the Supreme Court is to give as much power as possible to the executive branch because, ironically, they seem to be nostalgic for a king. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) ! KEY POINTS KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: KP 7: (00:50:22) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On the One Million Rising activist trainings from Indivisible.org DEEPER DIVES (00:56:04) SECTION A: SHADOWY & FUTURE RULINGS (01:25:26) SECTION B: THE IMPLICATIONS (01:50:55) SECTION C: THE GOP'S JUDGES (02:25:22) SECTION D: DICTATOR TRUMP (02:46:07) SECTION E: SORT OF POSITIVE I GUESS SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Composite image of the conservative justices on the Supreme Court in front of a giant, elaborate gold frame with a painting of an angry-looking Trump in king/general regalia and tie. Credit: Composite design A. Hoffman. Elements: , Public Domain | Other elements from Pixabay. Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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#1721 The Evolution of the Military Industrial Complex: Now with AI!
07/09/2025
#1721 The Evolution of the Military Industrial Complex: Now with AI!
Air Date 7/9/2025 It's an old joke that "military intelligence" is a good example of an oxymoron so I just asked an AI chatbot to finish a joke about what a military becomes when they implement artificial intelligence. It said, "an oxymoron squared - or as the generals call it, "strategically enhanced stupidity with a confidence interval of 95%" which is not funny but still managed to be pretty on point regarding the dangers of overconfidence that inevitably follows from the implementation of new technology. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop and for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! ! KEY POINTS KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: KP 7: (00:55:20) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On the coming merger between big tech and the military DEEPER DIVES (01:00:39) SECTION A: SURVEILLANCE A1: A2: A3: A4: A5: (01:32:18) SECTION B: MILITARIZED CAPITALISM B1: B2: B3: B4: (02:01:38) SECTION C: COMPANIES VS REGULATION C1: C2: C3: (02:29:40) SECTION D: HUMAN DRAIN D1: D2: D3: D4: D5: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at [email protected]
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SOLVED! #14 - How to Be An Imperfectionist: Fighting the infighting and building a resilient Left movement
07/08/2025
SOLVED! #14 - How to Be An Imperfectionist: Fighting the infighting and building a resilient Left movement
Air Date: 7–7-25 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: Some advice on understanding how to identify imperfect allies vs. true opponents Good-faith critiques of (and agreements with) socialist NYU Professor Vivek Chibber’s views on identity politics on the Left Working Families Party head Maurice Mitchell’s ideas on “neoliberal identity” politics for those in the Left movement How Gov. Wes Moore rejected our political “charade” and what we should do instead …and more in BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (MEMBERS ONLY!) FOLLOW US ON: Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e REFERENCES: - Films for Action - Factually with Adam Conover (Only between time codes 27:36-52:20) - Convergence Magazine - First Person from The New York Times - The New Republic MEMBERS ONLY: - New York Magazine “” via @astorwalk on Instagram TAKE ACTION: Use the for scripts and to reach all your elected officials Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121 Find your - or start one Reach us via Signal: Leave a message at 202-999-3991
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#1376 Tell Stories, Not Myths- America is a Force But Not Always For Good (Throwback)
07/04/2025
#1376 Tell Stories, Not Myths- America is a Force But Not Always For Good (Throwback)
Original Air Date: 10-21-20 Today we take a look at some of the many zany foreign misadventures the United States has had over the past 100 years. And by "zany misadventures" I mean the naked pursuit of capitalism at any cost, the support of military coups and other undemocratic overthrows of foreign governments and wars for oil and resources in an unabashed attempt to keep America wealthy and the rest of the world less so - all while maintaining an anti-imperial, pro-democracy, pro-freedom, live-and-let-live poker face Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) ! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Ch. 2: Ch. 3: Ch. 4: Ch. 5: Ch. 6: Ch. 7: Ch. 7: Ch. 9: Ch. 10: Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Contact me directly at [email protected]
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#1720 Building an Organized Left, the Eternal Oxymoron
07/02/2025
#1720 Building an Organized Left, the Eternal Oxymoron
Air Date 7/2/2025 The militarization of Trump's deportation regime and response to protesters is the clearest example of his desire to implement a fully authoritarian government. Pure and simple. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Check out our new show, SOLVED! on ! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) ! KEY POINTS KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: (00:45:01) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On how to fund the politics we need DEEPER DIVES (00:56:26) SECTION A: PROTESTS (01:25:24) SECTION B: HISTORY & INFIGHTING (02:01:22) SECTION C: SUBVERSION & THE RIGHT (02:38:02) SECTION D: ORGANIZING (03:24:46) SECTION E: THEORY SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Photo of a grid of multi-colored Zohran Mamdani political posters that say “Zohran For Mayor” and a photo of Zohran. Credit: “” by Eden, Janine and Jim, Flickr | License: Changes: Cropped and expanded background Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Contact me directly at
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