The Lean to the Left Podcast
Welcome Thoughtful Americans If you're a progressive concerned about political & social issues? You belong HERE at Lean to the Left, where you'll find no-holds-barred commentary, current political news, interviews with fascinating people, top experts, and others with incredibly interesting stories to tell. In fact, you'll never know who'll show up at Lean to the Left. It's unique and compelling journalism with a splash of humor and a dash of sarcasm. I'm your host, Bob Gatty, presenting my take on what's happening today from a liberal, progressive perspective. You'll find info and commentary about issues like the environment, human rights, health, racism, education and other issues of concern today. I co-authored "Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump's Attack on America's Greatness", two volumes of essays about Trump's dangerous policies. Links: Vol. 1: https://amzn.to/3WNrfjH; Vol. 2: https://amzn.to/3SSsGMM. Meanwhile, my co-author, CJ Waldron and I, are hard at work on a follow-up volume, bringing readers up to date on developments since those editions were published. So, watch for that on Amazon. The Lean to the Left podcast, now completing its fourth year, was launched as part of our blog site, LeantotheLeft.net, which had its beginnings in 2017 in response to Donald Trump’s bullying and name-calling tactics and his attacks on the mainstream news media. Our goal was to set the record straight on Trump’s claims and divisive rhetoric, which has continued through his defeat by President Joe Biden, unfounded claims of election fraud, the January 6, 2021 insurrection, and his efforts to regain the Presidency. I bring to this effort a wealth of experience as political journalist and editorial services company president, previously having served two members of Congress, one Republican and the other a Democrat, as chief of staff and press secretary. , If you share these concerns and want to stay abreast of key political developments with insight from experts and pointed commentary tinged with humor, please subscribe to this channel . For more info, please visit my website. Website leantotheleft.net Lean to the Left Podcast podcast.leantotheleft.net Twitter x.com/leantotheleft1 Facebook facebook.com/notfakenews.2 Instagram instagram.com/leantotheleft1 Tik Tok tiktok.com/@leantotheleft
Episodes
As the holidays approach, the Dixie Dems take a step back—and a clear-eyed look forward—at a Southern political landscape that’s shifting in surprising ways.
In this special holiday episode, Bob Gatty (South Carolina), Arthur Hill (North Carolina), and Robert Thompson (Georgia) share season’s greetings while digging into what’s ahead for Democrats in the South as 2026 comes into view.
🎄 In this episode, we discuss:
What makes a lifelong conservative rethink everything—and cross the political divide from Republican to Democrat? Why would a Marine switch from being a life-long Republican to join the Democrats and dump Trump's GOP?
In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with Carl Able, retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, fo...
In this powerful episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with filmmakers Babette Hogan and Julie Eisenberg to discuss their searing documentary, Running for the Mountains.
Filmed over 15 years, Running for the Mountains exposes the deep entanglement between greed, politics, and environmental sacrifice in West Virginia, re...
Artificial intelligence is transforming our world—but not always for the better. In this urgent episode of Lean To the Left, we explore how AI is fueling a disturbing rise in digital sexual exploitation, including the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse materials.
Our guest, Roger Canaff—former New York City special victims prosecutor,...
Artificial intelligence is transforming our world—but not always for the better. In this urgent episode of Lean To the Left, we explore how AI is fueling a disturbing rise in digital sexual exploitation, including the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse materials.
Our guest, Roger Canaff—former New York City special victims prosecu...
What if the most powerful climate solution isn’t in some distant technology — but growing right above your head?
In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with Joshua Harrison, co-founder and chief strategy officer of Leaf Island, to explore...
Why do liberals continue to struggle with political persuasion—even when the facts and policies are on their side?
In this episode of Lean to the Left, host Bob Gatty sits down with author, strategist, and political thinker Spencer Critchley to explore why liberals often fail to connect emotionally with voters, and how they can turn that around.
On this special Veteran’s Day edition of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty welcomes Steve Miller, President and CEO of Wellness for Veterans.org. A former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, Steve has dedicated his life to helping veterans access the benefits they’ve earned — from healthcare to housing and education.
In this in...
In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty speaks with Shilpi Chhotray, co-founder and president of Counter Stream Media, an independent production and communications platform that amplifies stories on climate justice, plastic pollution, and environmental health.
Together, they discuss how climate justice is social justice, explor...
In this powerful episode of Lean to the Left, host Bob Gatty sits down with Kaivan Shroff, political commentator, attorney, and Triple Ivy League alum, to discuss the challenges — and opportunities — facing the Democratic Party.
From mobilizing young voters to countering Trump’s rhetoric and redefining progressivism for a digital age, Shroff offer...
How does Trump's government shutdown hurt our veterans? Will they get paid? When? How will they pay their rent and feed their families with no money coming in? Callously, they refuse to budge as Democrats continue to fight to protect the healthcare of those who rely on Medicaid and Obamacare.
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Bob Gatty from Lean To The Left discusses the true consequences of the Donald Trump government shutdown that derails the fight against cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Despite Trump's claims about preventing undocumented immigrants from receiving taxpayer-funded healthcare, federal law already prohibits their eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid, or...
What happens when inanimate objects, like the Resolute Desk, and mythological monsters tell the story of Trump’s America? 🤯
In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty interviews author Barry Robbins, whose satirical books NO!, HELL NO!, and American Monsters offer a creative, humorous, yet deeply critical take on Donald Trump and...
Nearly 40% of Americans now identify as independents, reflecting deep frustration with partisan politics. In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, Bob Gatty speaks with Adam Brandon, senior advisor at the Independent Center and co-author of The Exhausted Majority.
Brandon shares his journey from leading FreedomWorks to shaping a new indepe...
What are the implications for our divided country when a bullying president shakes down the news media to get his way?
In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, John DeDakis, veteran journalist, former CNN editor, White House correspondent, novelist, and writing coach, explores the challenges of journalism in today’s fractured media landscape and the implications of Donald Trump's attempts to bully the media to his own ends.
�...
In Defending Transgender Identity on the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with Amethysta Herrick, PhD, a transgender woman, scientist, and advocate, to discuss the growing wave of discriminatory legislation targeting transgender individuals.
Ami shares her remarkable story—from childhood struggles and suicide attempts to building...
What was it like to serve as a Black federal employee during the most divisive presidency in modern American history? In this powerful episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with Deric Gilliard, activist, author, and retired federal public affairs advisor, to discuss his experiences promoting Trump administration policies.
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In this powerful episode of the Dixie Dems Podcast, part of the Lean to the Left network, Carole Bellacera — Air Force veteran, author, and unapologetic Southern Democrat — shares her story of resilience, activism, and the fight for fair representation in a deep-red state.
Carole recounts the shocking moment she was escorted out of a Nancy Mace to...
In a shocking move, Trump’s Health Secretary RFK Jr. has restricted COVID vaccine access for kids, seniors, and the vulnerable — ignoring scientific evidence and risking countless lives.
Hear Lean to the Left's Bob Gatty explain why this dangerous politics over science agenda could cost more lives than the pandemic’s first wave. It's the deadly co...
What are some wealth creation strategies in today's economy? Welcome to the Lean to the Left Podcast with our guest, Bronson Hill, managing member of Bronson Equity and and author of the bestselling book 'Fire Yourself: Replace Your Working Income in Three Years or Less.'
Hill is general partner in 2,500 multifamily units worth over $250 million ...
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