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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#1779 Community After God: Why the Left Needs What Church Provided
03/24/2026
#1779 Community After God: Why the Left Needs What Church Provided
Air Date: 3/24/2026 Today we explore what happens when people reject religious dogma but still hunger for ritual, meaning, and the concrete benefits of community. We'll hear from secular assemblies building "church without creed," atheist Quakers finding silence sacred, and a Caribbean thinker designing a naturalistic pagan practice built around science and seasonal ritual — all asking what religion can be when you strip away the supernatural. Be part of the show! Leave a , message us on Signal at the handle , 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! ! TOP TAKES KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: (00:49:04) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On the Left's Community Crisis and What We Can Learn from Megachurches DEEPER DIVES (01:00:06) SECTION A: LIBERATION THEOLOGY A1: A2: A3: A4: A5: (01:44:22) SECTION B: WHY IS AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY SO CONSERVATIVE_ B1: B2: B3: B4: B5: B6: (02:24:24) SECTION C: RELIGIOUS FORMS C1: C2: C3: C4: C5: (03:11:01) SECTION D: BELIEF, WITH AND WITHOUT RELIGION D1: D2: D3: D4: D5: D6: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Image of a robot walking across the street holding two leather briefcases. A thought bubble shows it is thinking about, or launching as it walks, missiles. Credit: Internal composite design. Images/License: Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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SOLVED! SAMPLE! #36 - Bribery Jazz - Corruption is the Water We Swim In
03/23/2026
SOLVED! SAMPLE! #36 - Bribery Jazz - Corruption is the Water We Swim In
Air Date: 3–18-26 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: Ch. 1 - The dark history of money in politics, aka: corruption Ch. 2 - What the left must do to actually win Ch. 3 - What the rest of the world can teach America SOLVED! BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only!): The reports of Christian fundamentalist “talk” in the military as the US attacked Iran on our new system! FOLLOW US ON: (This episode premieres on YouTube on Friday - please subscribe and share!) Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e REFERENCES - Current Affairs - (From 2022) Current Affairs - Current Affairs BACKSTAGE U.S. Troops Were Told Iran War Is for “Armageddon,” Return of Jesus - Jonathan Larsen (Substack) US troops were told war on Iran was ‘all part of God’s divine plan’, watchdog alleges - The Guardian EXTRAS: (Buying these books, or another book, after clicking the links below helps support indie bookstores and this show!) BOOK: “” by David Sirota and Jared Jacang Maher PODCAST: “” by The Lever ARTICLE: - Rolling Stone BOOK: “” by David Sirota BOOK: “” by Natasha Hakimi Zapata ARTICLE: - The New York Times ARTICLE: “” - Forbes TAKE ACTION: - March 28th Find your - or start one Reach us via Signal: Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
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#1778 AI, the Pentagon, Labor and Capitalism: The Fight Over Who Controls the Future
03/19/2026
#1778 AI, the Pentagon, Labor and Capitalism: The Fight Over Who Controls the Future
Air Date: 3/19/2026 Today we explore the long history of technological disruption — from the Industrial Revolution to the rise of software engineering — and ask whether AI is genuinely different this time, all while autonomous weapons dissolve accountability for the militaries using them and capitalism prevents AI companies from maintaining their ethical aspirations. Be part of the show! Leave a , message us on Signal at the handle , 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! ! TOP TAKES KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: (00:51:47) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On Why AI Won't Ruin Your Life — Unless We Let It DEEPER DIVES (01:04:45) SECTION A: LABOR FUTURE A1: A2: A3: A4: A5: (01:47:01) SECTION B: WARFARE B1: B2: B3: B4: B5: (02:27:37) SECTION C: SURVEILLANCE C1: C2: C3: C4: (02:57:16) SECTION D: CORPORATE POWER D1: D2: D3: D4: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Image of a robot walking across the street holding two leather briefcases. A thought bubble shows it is thinking about, or launching as it walks, missiles. Credit: Internal composite design. Images/License: Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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#1777 How Christian Nationalism, Oil, and Zionism Built The War Against Iran
03/16/2026
#1777 How Christian Nationalism, Oil, and Zionism Built The War Against Iran
Air Date: 3/15/2026 Today we examine how a century of foreign intervention created incompatible national memories between the US and Iran and how Netanyahu exploited that history to maneuver Trump into a war he didn't understand, promising a quick decapitation strike while knowing full well it would become a months-long regional conflict, at minimum. Be part of the show! Leave a , message us on Signal at the handle , 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! ! TOP TAKES KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: (00:46:57) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Bombs Don't Liberate: How War Destroys Iran's Real Democracy Movement DEEPER DIVES (00:56:48) SECTION A: BOMBS AWAY (AGAIN) A1: A2: A3: A4: (01:21:15) SECTION B: JESUS WANTS A FIGHTER JET B1: B2: B3: B4: (01:51:35) SECTION C: HOW WE GOT HERE C1: C2: C3: C4: C5: C6: (02:45:45) SECTION D: THE THREE-WAY COLD WAR D1: D2: D3: (03:11:57) SECTION E: ISRAEL'S BORDERS? WHAT BORDERS? E1: E2: E3: E4: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Composite graphic image depicting an American flag blended with the Israel flag and cross-stamped bombs where the stars should be, with some falling downwards. The outline of Iran filled with its flag is in the center with a drop of black oil dripping down its side. Credit: Internal composite design. | Elements from Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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#1776 Trump's Pharaoh Complex, Our Flawed Constitution, and the 250th Anniversary
03/12/2026
#1776 Trump's Pharaoh Complex, Our Flawed Constitution, and the 250th Anniversary
Air Date: 3/11/2026 Today is episode 1776, in the year of our nation's 250th birthday, and we thought the occasion called for something big. So, we're tracing the full arc — from the constitutional compromises that made this country possible to the authoritarian vanity project that those compromises eventually also made possible. We're talking about the history, the structures, and the insecure current-but-temporary president who thinks a $400 million ballroom and a coin with his face on both sides will make him a pharaoh. Be part of the show! Leave a , message us on Signal at the handle , 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! ! TOP TAKES KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: KP 7: (00:55:00) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On Why America's Coat Doesn't Fit and Why They're Erasing History to Hide It DEEPER DIVES (01:07:08) SECTION A: CONSTITUTION A1: A2: A3: A4: A5: A6: (02:05:58) SECTION B: TRUMPLAND B1: B2: B3: B4: B5: B6: (02:51:18) SECTION C: AUTHORITARIAN NOSTALGIA C1: C2: C3: C4: C5: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: A chaotic composite image against a decomposing American flag background. The Arc de Triomphe (standing in for the proposed “arch d’Trump”), a gilded White House facade, and a rendering of Trump’s proposed gilded ballroom all stand behind an image of Trump giving two thumbs up. He is smiling and wearing a tall Uncle Sam-style hat, unaware a bald eagle is about to attack. A gold ribbon with 250th in awkward gold letters floats above it all. Credit: Internal composite design. | Elements from and Canva (paid Pro Content License) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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SOLVED! FROM THE ARCHIVES - “Collaborators, Internal Exiles, and Dissidents” (Original Air Date: 01-26-25)
03/09/2026
SOLVED! FROM THE ARCHIVES - “Collaborators, Internal Exiles, and Dissidents” (Original Air Date: 01-26-25)
Re-Air Date: 01–26-25 Unless you were a member in January of 2025, 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 working on slowly increasing our production again, but, for now, enjoy this episode from our archives (and before YouTube) where Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: 00:00:00 - Ch. 1 - The mindset of collaborators 00:07:55 - Ch. 2 - Why many people turn inward and drop out - at their own risk - under authoritarianism 00:32:14 - Ch. 3 - The nature of true dissidents and what we can learn from them on our new system! FOLLOW US ON: (This full episode premieres on YouTube on Friday - please share!) REFERENCES: - The Atlantic - The New York Times - The Atlantic TAKE ACTION: - March 28th 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 Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
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#1775 Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Coalition and the Remaking of American Politics
03/07/2026
#1775 Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Coalition and the Remaking of American Politics
Air Date: 3/7/2026 Welcome to this episode of the Award-Winning Best of the Left Podcast. Today we examine the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson civil rights icon, two-time presidential candidate and one of the most consequential political figures of the 20th century. Be part of the show! Leave a , message us on Signal at the handle , 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! ! TOP TAKES KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: KP 7: KP 8: KP 9: (00:47:43) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Don't hate the game, change the rules DEEPER DIVES (00:58:53) SECTION A: PRESIDENTIAL RUNS A1: A2: A3: (01:36:11) SECTION B: RAINBOW COALITION B1: B2: B3: B4: (02:14:46) SECTION C: THE MAN C1: C2: C3: C4: (02:49:46) SECTION D: HIS LEGACY D1: D2: D3: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Black and white photo of Rev. Jesse Jackson in 1983 Credit:”” via Wikimedia Commons | collection at the . . Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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#1774 Monthly-ish Mix: Who's in Charge?—The Scramble for Control of Nations, Bodies, and Minds
03/03/2026
#1774 Monthly-ish Mix: Who's in Charge?—The Scramble for Control of Nations, Bodies, and Minds
Air Date: 3/3/2026 The Monthly-ish Mix™ is here to get you caught up on recent news without being overwhelming! This month we examine the multi-front struggle for control: military force and economic coercion seizing resources abroad, institutions weaponized to constrain bodies at home, platforms and propaganda capturing minds, and the democratic resistance proving that organized people can still win. Be part of the show! Leave a , message us on Signal at the handle , 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: TAKING WHAT THEY WANT (00:02:31) 1: 2: 3: (00:29:28) 4: 5: 6: (00:53:33) 7: 8: PART 2: CONTROLLING BODIES (01:04:42) 9: 10: 11: (01:30:58) 12: 13: 14: (01:57:14) 15: 16: 17: PART 3: CONTROLLING MINDS (02:20:20) 18: 19: 20: (02:46:22) 21: 22: 23: (03:09:13) 24: 25: 26: (03:35:07) 27: 28: PART 4: THE PEOPLE PUSH BACK (03:48:36) 29: 30: 31: (04:04:47) 32: 33: 34: Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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#1615 Envisioning a Leftist Economic Future of Postcapitalism, High-Tech Automation, Universal Basic Income and a World (Mostly) Without Work (Throwback)
02/28/2026
#1615 Envisioning a Leftist Economic Future of Postcapitalism, High-Tech Automation, Universal Basic Income and a World (Mostly) Without Work (Throwback)
Original Air Date: 3-1-2024 We don't have to think too hard to understand the fears of a world in which work, and the ability of millions to support themselves, are lost to automation and artificial intelligence. But that is only a capitalist future in which the benefits of technological advancement are hoarded by the already-wealthy. Today we imagine a different path. Be part of the show! Leave a , message us on Signal at the handle , 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! ! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Introduction to Inventing the Future: Postcapitalism and a World Without Work by Nick Srnicek and Alex Williams Ch. 2: Since the demise of the USSR, the mantle of the largest planned economies in the world has been taken up by the likes of Walmart, Amazon and other multinational corporations. Ch. 3: With jobs being automated and handed off to machines at an ever-increasing pace, it's only natural to consider what our future will look like. Ch. 4: In this video we will be discussing automation, which is often confused with being the ‘technological revolution’ in it of itself as it is what the mainstream focuses on, and for good reason, as how we handle automation will determine the trajectory or co Ch. 5: With jobs being automated and handed off to machines at an ever-increasing pace, it's only natural to consider what our future will look like. Ch. 6: In this video we will be discussing automation, which is often confused with being the ‘technological revolution’ in it of itself as it is what the mainstream focuses on, and for good reason, as how we handle automation will determine the trajectory or co Ch. 7: Since the demise of the USSR, the mantle of the largest planned economies in the world has been taken up by the likes of Walmart, Amazon and other multinational corporations. Ch. 8: Ch. 9: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS: Description: Photo of a patch on a backpack that says "What would you do if your income were taken care of?" Credit: "" by Patrick Maynard, Flickr | License: | Changes: Cropped Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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#1540 The Grift of Life (Scam Culture™ and the Economy it has built) (Throwback)
02/26/2026
#1540 The Grift of Life (Scam Culture™ and the Economy it has built) (Throwback)
Original Air Date: 1/31/2023 Today, we take a look at just some of the nearly infinite ways in which our society, culture and economy are infused from top to bottom with Scam Culture™ that is bleeding us dry both financially and mentally. Be part of the show! Leave a , message us on Signal at the handle , 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! ! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: For those that need to read this: you aren’t a capitalist. You’re capital. Ch. 2: Betsy DeVos and her family have been important figures in the business world for decades. They’re involved in a massive MLM, invest in shady businesses, and have put their money toward politics for as long as anyone can remember. Ch. 3: How does a corrupt mortgage scam by brokers in California become a massive national fraud that puts the whole economy into a deep crisis? Bill Black on theAnalysis.news with Paul Jay. Ch. 4: “Whatever fun name you wanna put on it, it’s the same damn thing we’ve seen over and over again.” David Dayen, Executive Editor of The American Prospect, joins us to talk through the spectacular rise and fall of crypto exchange FTX Ch. 5: The gig economy has revolutionized how we think about work, but not necessarily for the better. How have a bunch of multi-billion-dollar companies like Uber or Instacart so fundamentally changed our economy? Ch. 6: An investor's guide to breaking the thing you're trying to sell. Ch. 7: Explaining the appeal of Andrew Tate and his accolites to young, insecure men Ch. 8: TikToker @benno56 shares his family's experience with a terrifying new A.I. voice-mimicking scam. Max Burns breaks it down. Ch. 9: Scam call centers are just one cancerous offshoot of bureaucracy under capitalism, and while pranking these places may be cathartic, it's not enough to tackle the root cause. Ch. 10: "Money, it's a gas," wrote Pink Floyd's Roger Waters for their hit 'Money'. Author, speaker, and social innovator Vicki Robin would probably agree: she posits that most people don't understand the true, human, working value of money. Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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SOLVED! SAMPLE! #34 - Understanding The Dual State: Life Under Authoritarianism and Your Role in Fighting It
02/25/2026
SOLVED! SAMPLE! #34 - Understanding The Dual State: Life Under Authoritarianism and Your Role in Fighting It
Air Date: 2-17-26 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: Ch. 1 - The "dual state" concept coined by German Jewish political scientist and labor lawyer Ernst Fraenkel in his 1941 book “The Dual State: A Contribution to the Theory of Dictatorship” Ch. 2 - Navigating the psychological toll of living under authoritarianism Ch. 3 - "Woke 2.0" as a movement, and dismantling conservative critiques of virtue Ch. 4 - What is actually required to build an effective, broad anti-authoritarian coalition movement SOLVED! BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only!): Deprograming Nazis and the “run the ball” football strategy for our times on our new system! FOLLOW US ON: (This full episode premieres on YouTube on Friday - please subscribe and share!) Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e REFERENCES - Vox - The New York Times - The Atlantic - Galaxy Brain (The Atlantic) - Vanity Fair y - Philosopedia - In These Times - Talking Points Memo - Minnesota Reformer BACKSTAGE - Bad Faith Times EXTRAS: 00:13:27 Best of the Left #1770 - 00:19:42 Best of the Left Bonus Edition #334 - “Collaborators, Internal Exiles, and Dissidents” from Jan. 26, 2025 (pre-YouTube) | - The New York Times TAKE ACTION: Find your - or start one Reach us via Signal: Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
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#1773 How Big Tech Captured Attention, Kids, and Democracy
02/24/2026
#1773 How Big Tech Captured Attention, Kids, and Democracy
Air Date: 2/23/2026 Today we examine how the platforms that monetize your attention are merging with state power. We'll hear how TikTok's new owners include Trump ally Larry Ellison, how DHS sent hundreds of subpoenas to unmask anonymous ICE critics, how Ring's Super Bowl ad cheerfully introduced AI-powered neighborhood surveillance, and how the social media addiction trials that are being likened to the Big Tobacco settlement of the 90s, are finally exposing what these companies knew about the harmful nature of their products all along. Be part of the show! Leave a , message us on Signal at the handle , 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! ! TOP TAKES KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: (00:53:14) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Big Tech is the New Big Tobacco - Here's what that means for our future DEEPER DIVES (01:01:11) SECTION A: LAWSUITS A1: A2: A3: A4: A5: A6: (01:44:53) SECTION B: TIKTOK B1: B2: B3: B4: (02:19:50) SECTION C: PLATFORM POWER C1: C2: C3: C4: (02:56:37) SECTION D: ATTENTION HARMS D1: D2: D3: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Photo of a pre-teen girl leaning on a table holding a phone in her hands that she looks at so closely it covers her entire face. Credit:”” by cyndidyoder83, Pixabay | Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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#1772 From Fragile to Fascist: How Broken Masculinity Feeds Authoritarianism
02/21/2026
#1772 From Fragile to Fascist: How Broken Masculinity Feeds Authoritarianism
Air Date: 2/19/2026 Today we trace the pipeline from masculine grievance to fascism. We'll hear how ICE agents' own family members describe them as low-IQ bullies chasing signing bonuses, why a former white nationalist explains that the alternative to unpacking discomfort is becoming overtly racist, how incel culture evolved from lonely forums into a MAGA recruitment tool, and what researchers found about why men socialized to equate violence with manhood end up joining state-sanctioned death squads. Be part of the show! Leave a , message us on Signal at the handle , 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! ! TOP TAKES KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: (00:49:13) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR The Manosphere Correctly Diagnoses Some Problems but Their Solutions are a Con DEEPER DIVES (01:04:19) SECTION A: FRAGILE MASCULINITY A1: A2: A3: A4: (01:27:11) SECTION B: PIPELINE TO HELL B1: B2: B3: B4: B5: (02:07:49) SECTION C: THE PROPAGANDA MACHINE C1: C2: (02:26:50) SECTION D: AUTHORITARIAN CURIOUS D1: D2: D3: D4: D5: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Composite image of photos of a white man looking sad facing away from the camera, and then enraged looking toward the camera. Credit: Internal composite design. by Engin_Akyurt, Pixabay | Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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#1771 They Need You in the Dark: Information, Journalism, and the Fight Against Fascism
02/15/2026
#1771 They Need You in the Dark: Information, Journalism, and the Fight Against Fascism
Air Date 2/15/2026 Today we explore the gap between free speech rhetoric and the reality of arrested reporters. We'll hear how a decade of cancel culture panic over college students gave way to actual government suppression of journalists, why the DOJ is perverting a law designed to fight the Ku Klux Klan to prosecute Black journalists, how the administration that promised to "bring back free speech" is maintaining lists of forbidden words, and what history teaches about humor as a weapon against authoritarianism. Be part of the show! Leave a , message us on Signal at the handle , 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! ! TOP TAKES KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: (00:52:02) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On why authoritarians are so afraid of the media DEEPER DIVES (01:02:13) SECTION A: STATE REPRESSION A1: A2: A3: A4: (01:26:49) SECTION B: LEGAL ATTACKS B1: B2: B3: B4: B5: B6: (02:03:30) SECTION C: MEDIA INSTITUTIONS C1: C2: C3: C4: C5: C6: (02:56:52) SECTION D: LAUGHTIVISM D1: D2: D3: D4: D5: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Composite design of a photo of a press pass on a lanyard on a table overlaying a photo of an ICE protest in Minneapolis. Credit: Internal design. Photo 1: “” by Tony Webster, Flickr | | Cropped & blended | Photo 2: “” by Fibonacci Blue, Flickr | | Cropped & blended Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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SOLVED! SAMPLE! #33 - Be a Mosquito in a Swarm: How to Put Cracks in Authoritarian Power
02/13/2026
SOLVED! SAMPLE! #33 - Be a Mosquito in a Swarm: How to Put Cracks in Authoritarian Power
Air Date: 2-3-26 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: Ch. 1 - Trump’s Pillars of Support, and plugging into community building & local support networks Ch. 2 - Case studies in success: Avelo Airlines & Spotify and why they matter Ch. 3 - Pressure campaigns at home and abroad and why they are important Ch. 4 - The new cracks in MAGA, and building up the political opposition party we need SOLVED! BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only!): The second amendment folks’ weird moment after ICE murdered Alex Pretti FOLLOW US ON: (This full episode premieres on YouTube on Friday - please subscribe and share!) Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e REFERENCES DISCUSSED - Tim Hjersted, Films for Action - The Nation - TruthOut - The Nation - Bring Me The News - Common Dreams - Mother Jones - The New Republic - The New Republic MORE RESOURCES - Little Sis - Herman Legal Group - Bad Faith Times BACKSTAGE - The Intercept EXTRAS: - Tech Crunch (Oct 16, 2024) Best of the Left - Atlanta News First - Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) TAKE ACTION: 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 Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
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#1770 Getting in the Fight Against ICE and Authoritarianism
02/10/2026
#1770 Getting in the Fight Against ICE and Authoritarianism
Air Date 2/10/2026 Today we explore what effective resistance actually looks like. We'll hear why Jamelle Bouie says the panic of those in power signals that opposition is working, what abolitionists teach us about fighting without knowing the ending, and how Minneapolis proved that democratic force can overwhelm physical force. Be part of the show! Leave a , message us on Signal at the handle , 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! ! TOP TAKES KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: KP 7: KP 8: KP 9: KP 10: (00:49:16) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On the war on empathy DEEPER DIVES (00:59:25) SECTION A: WHAT DO WE WANT A1: A2: A3: (01:21:40) SECTION B: WHAT DID WE WANT B1: B2: B3: (01:50:25) SECTION C: HOW DO WE DO IT C1: C2: C3: C4: C5: (02:24:10) SECTION D: WHAT WORKS D1: D2: D3: D4: D5: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Photo of a protest in Minneapolis showing people holding signs that say “ICE is not welcome!” And “FUCK ICE” and “ICE OUT OF MN”, etc. Credit: “” by Fibonacci Blue via Flickr | | Cropped Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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#1128 Confronting Fascism in the Land of Free Speech (Throwback)
02/06/2026
#1128 Confronting Fascism in the Land of Free Speech (Throwback)
Original Air Date: 8-25-2017 Today we look at the constant struggle between the freedom to speak and the necessary limits placed on that freedom due to the rights of others to not be substantially harmed by that speech Be part of the show! Leave a , message us on Signal at the handle , 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! ! Show Notes Ch. 1: Ch. 2: Ch. 3: Ch. 4: Ch. 5: Ch. 6: Ch. 7: Ch. 8: Ch. 9: Voicemails Ch. 19: Ch. 20: Ch. 21: Ch. 22: Ch. 23: Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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SOLVED! #32 - How the Left is Always Right Too Soon (With Receipts)
02/05/2026
SOLVED! #32 - How the Left is Always Right Too Soon (With Receipts)
Air Date: 01-28-26 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: Ch 1 - Why it’s not actually “fun” to be right too early (despite being called ‘insufferable’) Ch 2 - The political elites and neoliberals who are frantically changing their tune now that a left-wing populist movement is here Ch 3 - The Cassandras of the Left who knew and tried to warn that Trump would be a fascist Ch 4 - The Anti-Alarmists who stifled the Cassandras warnings Ch 5 - What if we actually listened to the Left next time? SOLVED! BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only!): That one time progressives were very wrong FOLLOW US ON: (This full episode premieres on YouTube on Friday - please subscribe and share!) Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e REFERENCES - Current Affairs - Slate - The Atlantic - NY Times - The New Republic - NY Times BACKSTAGE - The Guardian EXTRAS: CLIP: by Omar El Akkad (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 ) (SOLVED! #29) TAKE ACTION: 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 Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
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#1769 Politics Beyond the Ballot Box: Elections and the Movements that Power Them
02/01/2026
#1769 Politics Beyond the Ballot Box: Elections and the Movements that Power Them
Air Date 2/1/2026 Today we examine what's actually working against the Trump regime and the role of this year's elections. Unsurprisingly, his own voter fraud investigation just proved him a liar, Democrats are overperforming expectations in House special elections, and Zohran Mamdani's campaign based on having fun in community needs to be a model for every movement against authoritarianism. Be part of the show! Leave a , message us on Signal at the handle , 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! ! TOP TAKES KP 1: KP 2: KP 3: KP 4: KP 5: KP 6: KP 7: (00:55:41) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On the role of community and friendship in fighting fascism DEEPER DIVES (01:03:26) SECTION A: IMMIGRATION POLICING A1: A2: A3: (01:24:17) SECTION B: POWER AND ORGANIZING B1: B2: B3: B4: B5: (02:04:54) SECTION C: VOTING RIGHTS C1: C2: C3: C4: (02:32:50) SECTION D: CANDIDANCY D1: D2: D3: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Photo of one half of a huge crowd of Zohran Mamdani campaign volunteers in a park holding campaign signs and smiling. Credit: “” via Zohran for NYC Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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#1768 The End of an Era: The International Rules-Based Order Gives Way to Trump's Might-Makes-Right Plutocracy
01/30/2026
#1768 The End of an Era: The International Rules-Based Order Gives Way to Trump's Might-Makes-Right Plutocracy
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 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: (00:44:46) 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: A2: A3: A4: A5: (01:33:49) SECTION B: IRAN IN CHAOS AND STILL A TARGET B1: B2: B3: B4: (02:02:12) SECTION C: CANADA MADE AN ADVERSARY C1: C2: C3: (02:25:22) SECTION D: THE WORLD MOVES AWAY FROM THE DOLLAR D1: D2: D3: (02:50:02) SECTION E: DYING COLONIALIST EMPIRE E1: E2: E3: E4: E5: 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: “” by the U.S. Government via Wikimedia Commons| Public Domain Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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SOLVED! FROM THE ARCHIVES - “Of Horse Races and Men: The Result of Decades of Media Atrophy (aka: Uncertain and Powerless”
01/26/2026
SOLVED! FROM THE ARCHIVES - “Of Horse Races and Men: The Result of Decades of Media Atrophy (aka: Uncertain and Powerless”
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 FOLLOW US ON: (This full episode premieres on YouTube on Friday - please share!) REFERENCES: - The Atlantic (1996) - The Intercept - The New Yorker 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 Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
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#1767 Wars Are Won By Teachers and Trump is Attacking Them Like a Foreign Adversary
01/25/2026
#1767 Wars Are Won By Teachers and Trump is Attacking Them Like a Foreign Adversary
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 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: (00:46:40) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On the American and Chinese Cassandras of authoritarianism DEEPER DIVES (00:54:44) SECTION A: EDUCATION AND DEMOCRACY A1: A2: A3: A4: (01:31:21) SECTION B: EDUCATION AND MONEY B1: B2: B3: B4: B5: (01:56:44) SECTION C: EDUCATION AND FREE SPEECH C1: C2: C3: C4: (02:27:06) SECTION D: EDUCATION AND THE DOE D1: D2: D3: 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 | Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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#1766 The Fragility of State Violence: The ICE Occupation, Renee Good, and the Minneapolis Uprising
01/21/2026
#1766 The Fragility of State Violence: The ICE Occupation, Renee Good, and the Minneapolis Uprising
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 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: (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: A2: A3: A4: (01:22:43) SECTION B: ICE ABUSES PEOPLE B1: B2: B3: (01:50:19) SECTION C: POLICE ARE A DOMESTIC MILITARY C1: C2: C3: C4: (02:09:52) SECTION D: REVOLUTION D1: D2: D3: (02:38:44) SECTION E: ICE IS ABOUT PROJECTING POWER E1: E2: E3: E4: (03:10:48) SECTION F: WHAT COMES NEXT? F1: F2: F3: SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Photo of ICE in Minneapolis neighborhood facing a group of residents. Credit: “” by Chad Davis, Flickr | Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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SOLVED! SAMPLE! #31 - There is no “Male Loneliness Crisis(TM)”: Why Patriarchy & Capitalism Are Hurting Us ALL
01/20/2026
SOLVED! SAMPLE! #31 - There is no “Male Loneliness Crisis(TM)”: Why Patriarchy & Capitalism Are Hurting Us ALL
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: (This full episode premieres on YouTube on Friday - please subscribe and share!) Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e REFERENCES - Cosmopolitan - The New Yorker - The Quinnapiac Chronicle - Salon - USA Today - Purpose Building Communities - NPR (2023) - The Atlantic EXTRAS: (Aired: Aug. 10, 2021) 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 ) (SOLVED! #29) TAKE ACTION: 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 Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
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#1765 AI Capitalism Will Not Deliver an AI Utopia
01/17/2026
#1765 AI Capitalism Will Not Deliver an AI Utopia
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 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: (00:48:47) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On why capitalism is the biggest problem of AI DEEPER DIVES (00:57:14) SECTION A: AL BUBBLE A1: A2: A3: A4: A5: (01:39:59) SECTION B: PORN AND SLOP B1: B2: B3: B4: B5: B6: B7: (02:30:14) SECTION C: REGULATION C1: C2: C3: C4: 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 | Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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#1764 Wealth Inequality is Bad for Society and There's No Good Counterargument
01/15/2026
#1764 Wealth Inequality is Bad for Society and There's No Good Counterargument
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 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: (00:48:50) 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: A2: A3: A4: A5: (01:42:01) SECTION B: THE MINDSET OF THE RICH & POWERFUL B1: B2: B3: B4: (02:18:09) SECTION C: TAX THE RICH C1: C2: 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: “” and “” via Pixabay | Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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#1763 It's Not a Health Care System, it's a Wealth Extraction System
01/10/2026
#1763 It's Not a Health Care System, it's a Wealth Extraction System
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 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: (00:56:07) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On how our health system harms everyone except the owners DEEPER DIVES (01:05:14) SECTION A: ACA SUBSIDIES A1: A2: A3: A4: A5: A6: A7: (01:57:02) SECTION B: DRUG PRICING B1: B2: (02:16:13) SECTION C: HEALTHCARE REFORM C1: C2: C3: C4: 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/ Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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#1248 There you go again. Venezuela and America's addiction to imperialism (Remix)
01/07/2026
#1248 There you go again. Venezuela and America's addiction to imperialism (Remix)
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. 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! ! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Sharmini Peries hosts a wide-ranging conversation about the US-backed attempted coup in Venezuela Ch. 2: Venezuela was split between the rich and poor. Politicians lead the way to oil reliance. Ch. 3: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Investigative journalist Allan Nairn explains many aspects of the US attempts at a coup in Venezuela Ch. 9: 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. Jay shares a ton of additional content on Venezuela and muses on the developing pattern of the Trump administration using poem-based propaganda Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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#1762 Trump's Imperialistic Shakedown of Venezuela
01/03/2026
#1762 Trump's Imperialistic Shakedown of Venezuela
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 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: (00:48:15) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On the structure of imperialism DEEPER DIVES (01:02:10) SECTION A: DRUG WAR BS A1: A2: A3: A4: A5: (01:41:05) SECTION B: THE MONROE DOCTRINE 2.0 B1: B2: B3: B4: B5: (02:20:52) SECTION C: NIGERIA BOMBING C1: C2: (02:37:40) SECTION D: WAR WITH VENEZUELA D1: D2: D3: D4: D5: 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 | | Unclassified boat image from U.S. D.O.D. . Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at Listen Anywhere! Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: | | | Like at Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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SOLVED! SAMPLE! #30 - Everything is Ugly: How Convenience Killed Beauty—And How We Can Bring It Back
12/30/2025
SOLVED! SAMPLE! #30 - Everything is Ugly: How Convenience Killed Beauty—And How We Can Bring It Back
Air Date: 12-23-25 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: Ch. 1 - Why everything is so ugly these days Ch. 2 - The story of “Millennial Gray” and how our personal spaces are impacted by beauty Ch. 3 - How government intervention and regulation does (and could) impact the beauty in our surroundings Ch. 4 - How beauty impacts sustainability as well as our very important feelings of belonging BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm: Why people around the globe are unhappy despite increasing wealth and progress FOLLOW US ON: (This full episode premieres on YouTube on Friday - please subscribe and share!) Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e REFERENCES - Delish (YouTube video) -Sheehan Quirke (Youtube video) - Answer in Progress - CNN - The Independent - Sustainability - Plusurbia - Lloyd Alter on Substack - The Public Discourse BACKSTAGE: - Very Well Mind - Vox EXTRAS: by Eric Klinenberg (If you make a purchase after clicking this link, we get a small commission!) TAKE ACTION: 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 Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
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