Shows
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyMonthly-Ish Mix: Wealth Concentration, Knowledge Suppression, and Identity Exploitation: The Systems of Control of the Authoritarian PlaybookAir Date 6/21/2025 The Monthly-ish Mix™ is here to get you caught up on recent news without being overwhelming! This month, we're focusing on the way authoritarian movements operate across multiple fronts simultaneously to reshape society. 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 Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil boo...2025-06-213h 11
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyNew Tech and the New Luddite Movement; Inequitable Distribution of Benefits from New Technology Always Sparks Demands from Labor and AI is Rekindling the Old Arguments (Throwback)Original Air Date: 2-20-2024 "Luddite" should never have become the epithet that it is as the Luddites were never afraid of or opposed to technological advancement, they only opposed the exploitation of workers and the degradation to society that came with the unfair distribution of the benefits of the targeted 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 Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes Check out our new show, SOLVED! on...2025-06-1358 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyEugenics Redux: A Gilded Age Ideology Brought Back for the Second Gilded AgeAir Date 5/27/2025 Slippery slope arguments persist because good ideas taken to extremes become bad ones. Eugenics exemplifies this—often starting with good intentions. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Join our Discord community! KEY POINTS KP 1: The movement that inspired the Holocaust - Alexandra Minna Stern and Natalie Lira - TED-Ed - Air Date 3-10-22 KP 2: MAHA's So...2025-05-273h 25
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyTariffied: Exposing Trump's Artless DealAir Date 4/29/2025 The economic and political fallout of Trump’s misguided tariffs, exposing his self-proclaimed deal-making prowess as a fraud and his grasp of the relevant issues to be childlike at best. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes | Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! Join our Discord community! ...2025-04-293h 18
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyIsraeli right-wing politics has lead to some strange, fascist bedfellows (Throwback)Original Air Date: 3/5/2019 From 2019: Today we take a look at how the illiberalism of the Israeli government has alienated the vast majority of democratic nations and individuals who support human rights, leaving the country with some of the most far-right, fascist, white-supremacist, anti-Semitic people in the world as their only remaining allies. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop Bookshop...2025-04-081h 02
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyHome Is Where The Hardship Is (Housing Crisis Throwback)Original Air Date: 615/2022 The many reasons why we are experiencing a housing crisis in the US and beyond but it mostly comes down to treating housing as a commodity to be profited from rather than a basic human need or, if you're feeling radical, a basic human right. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes | Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro...2025-02-281h 07
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyOligarchy Unmasked: Why Billionaires Hate Democracy and How They're Dismantling ItAir Date 2/11/2025 The very rich, as has been noted before, are not on the side of regular people. And even if you think that the federal government needs a major reboot, no one but the ultra-wealthy are going to be happy with what they build in the aftermath of the administrative coup currently underway. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes | Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links...2025-02-113h 00
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Edition - SOLVED! Demystifying Our RealityAir Date: 2-10-25 Today, Jay! and Amanda (Deon and Erin were sick) discuss: - Why you should be using an RSS reader - The danger of Mystification as humans try to cope - Musk and Trump's flagrant law breaking - What Dems and you can do, with some tips from our own experience FOLLOW US ON: Bluesky Mastadon Instagram Facebook YouTube Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e REFERENCES: You sh...2025-02-1014 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Edition - SOLVED! Good Advice in Bad TimesAir Date: 2-2-25 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: - How the resistance is transforming, not over - What actually worked when resisting Trump's first term - A curation of good advice on being effective and staying sane this time around FOLLOW US ON: Bluesky Mastadon Instagram Facebook YouTube Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e REFERENCES: Goodbye, ‘Resistance.’ The Era of Hyperpolitics Is Over. How to Take Heart...2025-02-0327 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Edition - SOLVED! Collaborators, Internal Exiles, and DissidentsAir Date: 1-26-25 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: - The mindset of collaborators - Why many people turn inward and drop out - at their own risk - under authoritarianism - The nature of true dissidents and what we can learn from them FOLLOW US ON: Bluesky Mastadon Instagram Facebook YouTube Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e REFERENCES: History Will Judge the Complicit The Desire to T...2025-01-2622 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyLooking Back to Trump 1.0 (Remix)Air Date: 1/11/2025 Today, we look back to the warnings we gave ourselves at the beginning of the first Trump administration. In 2017 there was concern about corruption and his business dealings, ethics around his nominees, and the inability of the media to cover him properly. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book...2025-01-111h 08
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Edition: The Realignment Will Make You SeasickLOOKING FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS? bestoftheleft.com/holiday Air Date: 12-23-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, and Deon (Erin was again missed) discuss: - The Realignment of the right-wing toward economic populism and government programs - The need for a different kind of government efficiency than DOGE is offering - The future of the left working to fix government FOLLOW US ON: Bluesky Mastadon Instagram Facebook YouTube Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pe...2024-12-2321 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Edition: The Truth Shall Set Us FreeSign Up or Manage Your Membership Air Date: 12-6-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - The political origins of SimCity and how capitalism warps our choices - A new video game offering a very different vision of societal management - Naomi Klein's insights on the Left's missteps responding to the Mirror World - Applying cynicism and skepticism in moderation FOLLOW US ON: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bestoftheleft.bsky.social Mastadon: https://mastodon.social/@bestoftheleft@mstdn.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestoftheleft/ F...2024-12-0622 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Edition - Marketing: The Dirty Public Restroom of the InternetAir Date: 10-31-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - How neoliberalism is fucking up renewable energy transitions - Marketing and why the viral Stanley Cup never should have gone viral - How big tech is heavily surveilling school kids without any oversight - How the fossil fuel industry has infiltrated higher education BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Hear the Full Show, Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) REFERENCES: Germany’s Green Transition Is Faltering This $23 Stanley Cup Accessory Fixes Your Biggest Complaint About the Tumbler ...2024-10-3120 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Edition: A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thingBestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Hear the Full Show, Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Air Date: 10-20-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - Yet another GOP animal abuse horror - Why weather machine conspiracy theories took off so easily - The questionable UAE organization trying to control rain with cloud seeding - Why more extreme weather isn't swaying certain voters on climate change - Talking about climate change through a patriotic lens - Bonus Segment: The surprising origins of Don't Mess with Texas REFERENCES: New...2024-10-2021 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Edition: The Mess Joe MadeBestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Hear the Full Show, Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Air Date: 10-14-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - A member voicemail about autopilot cars - Some call backs, including JD Vance being unsurprisingly weird with his dog - The frustrating shift in the Kamala Harris campaign - Biden's continuous blundering of Israel's war on Gaza - The historical precedent for Harris to depart from Biden on Israel war policy ASAP REFERENCES: Finally, The New York Times Is Getting Real About Trump's M...2024-10-1419 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: Solving AntisemitismBestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Hear the Full Show, Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Air Date: 10-7-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - The Today Show's take on viral phenom Moo Deng - The GOP's obsession with killing animals - How the media made a mess of Rashida Tlaib's comments and missed the key point - How some Nazi language is infiltrating left wing spaces & what to do about it - How to solve antisemitism REFERENCES: Meet Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo taking the internet...2024-10-0721 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: Things That Go VroomBestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Hear the Full Show, Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Air Date: 9-29-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - Why Cards Against Humanity is fighting Elon Musk - How car-related deaths have soared in the US - How partial automation tech in cars is making driving more dangerous - Why truck bloat(or C.O.U.S.s, if you prefer)is deadly - Surveillance CARpitalism that will blow your mind - The electric school bus fleets sweeping the nation - The fratzonic...2024-09-2918 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: Beauty is Truth, Truth BeautyBestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Hear the Full Show, Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Air Date: 9-23-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - Musk's latest - J.D. Vance's war on truth and brown people - The super villains who spread lies - Sane Washing Trump - Correcting the Left - Right-wing lies as a matter of course REFERENCES: Musk Claims ‘Joke’ About Assassinating Harris Was Funnier in Person J.D. Vance’s War on American Life Starts in Springfield JD Vance...2024-09-2320 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: If you can't stand the heat, someone will profit from your miseryBestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Hear the Full Show, Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Air Date: 9-8-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - labor unions fighting for time off when it's too hot - cooling tech - electric trains - and the corporations running our national parks into the ground REFERENCES: Greek Unions Want Paid Time Off When It’s Too Hot to Work To keep workers going in the heat, companies try fledgling cooling tech Please Do Not Make Fun of M...2024-09-0819 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: How are you gonna fix that garden?!BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Hear the Full Show, Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Air Date: 8-11-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: - Understanding the New Right - JD Vance's mangled metaphor - The best headline about RFK Jr. - Where the anti-trans movement has taken us - What Star War controversies through the years can teach us REFERENCES: Watch: J.D. Vance Makes an Unfortunate Couch Joke at Nevada Rally This Is Why J.D. Vance Hates “Childless Cat Ladies” How JD V...2024-08-1118 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: You Do You, You WeirdosBestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Hear the Full Show, Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Air Date: 8-4-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - The use of strategic ambiguity as a way to ensure everyone hears what they want to hear - How weird Republicans are now - How the joke about JD Vance having sex with a couch is viewed as plausible because his inability to deal with generational trauma has made him a bizarre person - How the right's bigotry runs so deep, they can't escape it even when...2024-08-0416 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: The Lesson of The GrinchBestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Hear the Full Show, Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Air Date: 7-29-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - All of our hope-y, fearful feelings about this political moment - The sexist, racist insults already being hurled at Harris - The perceived threat of a woman's laugh - Men's deep-seeded struggle with masculinity REFERENCES: Trump campaign finally reveals why ex president continues to profess love for Hannibal Lecter in speeches What people mean when they call Kamala Harris a ‘DEI ca...2024-07-2918 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: In a Dinghy of HopeBestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Hear the Full Show, Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Air Date: 7-14-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, and Deon (Erin couldn't join us) discuss: - How we're feeling - The philosophy of liberal patriotism - The positive policies Democrats should be running on to inspire voters - The reckoning the current Democratic Party desperately needs REFERENCES: Liberal Patriotism Is About More Than Flag-Waving How to Beat Trump in a World of Unreason Democrats don’t just need a new candidate. They need a...2024-07-1421 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Edition: Solved It! Conspiracy Theorists, Comment Sections, and TrumpAir Date: 6-2-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - How one MIT study used AI to reduce belief in conspiracy theories - How a new AI tool is attempting to make comments sections less awful - Some advice from Korea's litigious political environment on how to deal with Trump BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) REFERENCES: America’s Worst Time Zone Chatbots can persuade conspiracy theorists their view might be wrong The AI That Could Heal a Divided Internet ...2024-06-0217 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyLooking to avert further tragedy (War on Drugs™) (Throwback)Original Air Date: 5/9/2015 Today we take a look at the continuing failure that is the War on Drugs™ as well as some of the signs of hope that we may be making progress toward shutting it down Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) Join our Discord community! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Is Marijuana Harmful to Health? - Healthcare Triage (@HCTriage) - Air Date: 04-19-1...2024-05-1946 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: At the Carwash: Living in a World Not Built for HumansBestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Hear the Full Show, Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Air Date: 5-16-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - How mega drive-throughs are ruining American towns and cities - Why giant car washes are popping up across the country and what we could have instead - How Tokyo's beautiful public toilets are an inspiration - The impact boring and ugly buildings are having on our mental health REFERENCES: RFK Jr. revealed he had a parasitic brain worm. Here’s what to know. ...2024-05-1718 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyRemix - Protest Crackdown: Power Concedes Nothing Without a Demand and the Response is PredictableAir Date 5/3/2024 A look back at previous coverage of criminalizing protests, weaponizing civility, and violent responses to peaceful dissent. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) Join our Discord community! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: The Problem with Civility - On the Media - Air Date 6-30-18 Ch. 2: Criminalizing Protest - @USNewsBeat - Air Date 6-14-18 Ch. 3: Civility as a...2024-05-031h 14
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample #300 My People are HumansBestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) Air Date: 4-22-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - How Israeli citizens and government officials use of the US's settler-colonialist past, westward expansion, and religious fundamentalism to justify their own settler expansion - How the members of the extreme right are put in positions of power within the Israeli government, which is then used to validate the settler's actions - The role racist propaganda and intergenerational trauma play in convincing Israelis of the righteousness of their settler-colonialist actions...2024-04-2314 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyTo Exist is to Resist: Life and Activism in Occupied Palestine Working Toward Rights and Democracy For All in Israel (Throwback)Original Air Date 2-17-2018 We hear from activists and advocates to get a sense of the life, land, and walls that divide occupied Palestine in the West Bank and Gaza Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) Join our Discord community! Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Amer Zahr on working toward rights and d...2024-03-0858 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyStrange Bedfellows: Looking at why Ethno-Nationalists Admire Israel and the Violence Inflicted on Gaza (Throwback)Original Air Date 2/7/2018 Looking at Israel from a variety of angles including what they do to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank and why White supremacists, of all people, support them Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) Join our Discord community! Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Breaking down Trump's moves on Israel...2024-03-0547 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyNew Tech and the New Luddite Movement; Inequitable Distribution of Benefits from New Technology Always Sparks Demands from Labor and AI is Rekindling the Old ArgumentsAir Date 2/20/2024 "Luddite" should never have become the epithet that it is as the Luddites were never afraid of or opposed to technological advancement, they only opposed the exploitation of workers and the degradation to society that came with the unfair distribution of the benefits of the targeted technology. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) Join our Discord community! SHOW NOTES 2024-02-2059 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: A Cul-de-Sac of IgnoranceAir Date: 2-6-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - The impacts of the myth of the model minority - Haley and Ramaswamy Denying America's racism as they both experience and use racism during the Republican primary race BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Hear the full Bonus Shows! + No Ads!) REFERENCES: Vivek Ramaswamy and the lie of the “model minority” Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy Can’t Escape GOP Racism Scholars worry Haley and Ramaswamy's race-blindness helps GOP advance "white supremacist worldview" Jake Tapper Confronts Nikki...2024-02-0611 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyHousing Cannot be a Fundamental Human Right and a Commodity at the Same TimeAir Date 12/23/2023 The housing crisis is at a worse point than at any time in recent history. Solutions are available and require political will to bring into reality but because the problem is now so widespread, we may actually be able to take action that would have been untenable before. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript WINTER SALE! 20% Off Memberships (including Gifts) in December! Join our Discord community! Related Episodes: #1496 Home...2023-12-241h 04
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyTaming the Beast: AI Regulation Before Human RelegationAir Date 12/20/2023 AI needs to be regulated by governments even though politicians don't understand computers just as the government regulates the manufacture and operation of aircraft even though your average politician doesn't know their ass from an aileron. That's why expert advisory panels are for. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript WINTER SALE! 20% Off Memberships (including Gifts) in December! Join our Discord community! Related Episodes: #1547 Shaping the Future of the Internet2023-12-2057 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyKiss of Death: Henry Kissinger's Bloody Legacy of IndifferenceAir Date 12/12/2023 Henry Kissinger, it turns out, was actually a pretty good representative of the United States, the foreign policy actions we took, and the reasonings we gave for them over the past century. He embodied the idea that the US is always on the side of right, the world and its inhabitants are merely a game board and pieces for us to manipulate for our own ends, and that lives, particularly foreign lives, lost in pursuit of our interests are not of much concern. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or...2023-12-1356 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBuilding a positive future by first envisioning it and then designing itAir Date 12/5/2023 It's important to focus on positive visions and not only get stuck in doom cycles of complaining about what's going wrong. So, we're looking at a variety of positive visions including rethinking human nature, reimagining our relationship with consumerism, considering how design can work with nature instead of against it, and understanding why cooperation is better than individualistic competition from an evolutionary point of view. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members...2023-12-061h 04
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy#TBT Rise of the Oligarchs Like the Ones Taking Clarence Thomas on Trips: From the Libertarians of the Chicago School and the Push for Market Fundamentalism to the Megadonors Pulling the Strings of Politicians Today (Money in Politics) (Throwback)Original Air Date: 12/15/2017 The history and current state of rich people seeking to undermine democratic rule by the people in favor of oligarchy for the rich Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Show Notes Ch. 1: Why The Koch Brothers Despise The Constitution - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 07-26-17 Ch. 2: Jane Mayer on the Rise of Conservative Orthodoxy - On The Media - Air Date 5-5-17 Ch. 3: The complicated reality of corr...2023-08-3154 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy#TBT What Drives Trump Conservatives - "Strangers in Their Own Land" (Throwback)Original Air Date 11-1-2016 Today we dive deeply into the world of conservatives as described in the new book “Strangers in their own Land” by Arlie Russel Hochschild in an attempt to understand how some non-deplorable people in the country could be supporting Donald Trump. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) Join our Discord community! Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From...2023-08-101h 01
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy#TBT Leisure, Desperation or a Reorientation (The Future of Work) (Throwback)BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get 20% Off Membership in July!) Original Air Date: 1/2/2018 Today we take a look at a few different visions of what the future holds for our labor market and some policies we should be putting in place to set the scene for the coming evolution of work Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Show Notes Act 1: The future of work in a world of artificial intelligence - Ideas - Air Date 9-12-17 2023-07-0756 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy#TBT The manufactured debt crisis (Throwback)Original Air Date 8-2-2011 Today we take a hard look at the debt ceiling debate of 2011 because we’re going through the exact same thing right now with only a few of the names changed Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) Join our Discord community! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Debt Ceiling Fight Is Fake - Young Turks - Air Date 6-20-11 Ch...2023-06-0251 minBest of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy#TBT A crisis of culture and capitalism (Throwback)Original Air Date 5-15-2015 Today we take a hard look at modern-day civilization and culture and ponder what we could do to make things better Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Show Notes Act 1: The Death of Culture at the Hands of the Profit Motive - @majorityfm - Air Date: 01-20-15 Act 2: Visionary Sci Fi for an Age of Acquiescence - The F Word with @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 4-20-15 ...2023-05-2654 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy#TBT Understanding Authoritarianism (Throwback)Original Air Date 9/15/2017 Today we look at the history and structures of authoritarianism and explore how they relate to the Trump campaign and administration Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Show Notes Act 1: It can't happen here Part 1 - Ideas from the CBC - Air Date 1-17-17 Act 2: Evan McMullin on spotting the dangers of authoritarianism - Primary Concerns from @NewRepublic - Air Date 1-4-17 Act 3: Opposing conservative policies and authoritarianism - Who...2023-05-1158 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyThe Faustian Bargain of Technological Advancement and Societal Degradation (Repost)Original Air Date 1/15/2022 Today we take a look at tradeoffs that are becoming ever more evident between the advancement of mass communication and social media technologies and the ways in which those advancements contribute to the degradation of social cohesion. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Re-musing Ourselves - On the Media - Air Date 3-3-06 The late m...2023-03-021h 01
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyCapitalism doesn't live up to the hypeAir Date 2/14/2023 Today, we take a look at some origins, alternatives and misunderstandings of capitalism from the Dutch East India Company, to Adam Smith and up through the planned obsolescence and marketing that have tricked us all into working far harder than necessary while failing to make us happy. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) Join our Discord community! OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: 2023-02-151h 07
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyThe election of a lifetime for this yearAir Date 10/26/2022 Today, we take a look at the 2022 election and the political dynamics at play as the GOP continues on its path of ideological anti-democracy and Democrats work to register new voters and get out the vote. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) Join our Discord community! OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: ExpressVPN.com/BestOfTheLeft GET INTERNET PRIVACY WITH EXPRESS VPN! BestOfTheLeft.co...2022-10-261h 07
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample Bill Maher vs George CarlinBecome a member to hear the full show and support our work! Original Air Date: 7-8-22 Today, I am talking with Amanda, Deon and Erin. We discuss: - Collections of Guns - Identity and Consumerism - Educating Worker Drones - The Amanda Principle Revisited - George Carlin vs Bill Maher VoicedMails: We define what we wear - Zach the Theologian Passion is exploited by capital - Heather References: The Strange Afterlife of George Carlin George Carlin's American Dream...2022-08-2422 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Edition: The Fog of Work (Repost)Original Air Date 4/16/2020 Today, Amanda and I discuss a few of the aspects of life during a pandemic that's causing mental fog and affecting our work. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com MEMBERSHIP (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: We all make mistakes but we’re making a lot more of them right now Ch. 2: The Burnout Generation Ch. 3: Survival Mode Ch. 4: Hidden Mental Health Toll of Coronavirus with Alis...2022-07-171h 03
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: The Assumptions of Capitalism CultureOriginal Air Date: 6-6-22 Today, I am talking with Amanda, Deon and Erin. We discuss: - The Dawn of Everything - Capitalism Culture - Hit and Run Work Ethic - Necropolitics - W.E.B. DuBois on Colonialism - Sacrifices of Cultural Assumptions References: The Dawn of Everything (Affiliate Link!) Capitalism Culture Daycare late fees no deterrent, study finds Prosecutor: Driver In Hit-And-Run Death Left For Job Interview What Is Necropolitics? The Political Calculation of Life and Death2022-07-0817 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyAmerica, A Beginner's GuideAir Date 7/4/2022 Today, for this milestone episode, I attempted to squeeze in as many clever and interesting ideas as I could and ended up writing a starter guide to understand the United States. Plus, there are jingles! Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) Join our Discord community! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Political Structures of Our Country Tracking the political eras that proceeded o...2022-07-041h 27
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: Tales of PanicOriginal Air Date: 5-16-22 Become a member! Connect with our Discord community! Today, I am talking with Amanda, Deon and Erin. We discuss: - The power of Indigenous stories - Elite panic - Panic at the dinner table - Quantification and who counts - Stoking civil war - Fear is the heart of love References: Reddit, Ask a Historian Southern Living: Why Is It Rude to Eat with Your Elbows on...2022-06-0717 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyThe Great Replacements (Conspiracy vs Reality)Air Date 6/1/2022 Today we take a look at the current conspiracy theory known as "The Great Replacement" which posits that a cabal of elites is conspiring to eradicate Whiteness as a culture and as a people in Europe, North America and other countries colonized by White Europeans. We also look at the history of the cabal of elites that conspired to eradicate Native peoples and culture from colonized lands in a pattern of genocide and dispossession. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com T...2022-06-011h 07
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: Tell Me A StoryOriginal Air Date: 4-26-22 Today, I am talking with Amanda, Deon and Erin. We discuss: - Libertarians proving themselves wrong - All we ever do is tell stories - The benefits of forgetting some stories - The stories society tells hide the form of community that we prefer References: Seder DEBATES Ayn Rand Institute Libertarian Yaron Brook - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-8-21 Very Intelligent Libertarian Caller Tries To Justify Slavery - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-10-21 Excerpt from interview...2022-05-2616 minBest of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: Nouning DiscriminationOriginal Air Date: 1-13-22 Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss: - Don't trust engineers - We were all assholes - Is Deon parenting wrongly? - It only takes two hours of talking - Words Matter: Nouning people into groups References: Words Matter by Sally McConnell-Ginet Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact...2022-02-0816 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyPeople Are Waking Back Up To The Need For Labor UnionsAir Date 12/22/2021 Today we take a look at some of the history of labor struggles in America and the current wave of strikes that is giving renewed energy to the labor union movement and the struggle for better working conditions for all. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) Check out Coffee from the Unf*cking the Republic podcast! BestOfTheLeft.com/Store BotL MERCHANDISE! BestOfTheLeft.co...2021-12-231h 15
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: Mighty WhiteOriginal Air Date: 12-7-21 Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss: - Old and new usages of "White" - A little-known version of class mobility in Spanish colonial America - The Great Resignation References: That's Mighty White of You! Buying Whiteness Loving Your Job Is a Capitalist Trap - The Atlantic Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! ...2021-12-2113 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyThere Will Be No Reichstag FireAir Date 12/18/2021 Today we take a look at the roadmap to authoritarianism we are currently following including the detailed and multifaceted roadmap to a coup that was practiced leading up to January 6, 2021 and is being refined in preparation for the 2024 election. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) Get the Wisdom App for my Ask Me Anything event on Dec. 20 at 8pm EST BestOfTheLeft.com/Store BotL MER...2021-12-181h 08
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyNeoliberalism is Hanging on for Dear Life in Changing TimesAir Date 12/15/2021 Today we take a look at the cracks and fissures appearing ever more quickly in the neoliberal order that was already widely criticized before the pandemic stripped it bare, exposing all of the inherent inequality and inhumanity baked right into the system. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows, Bonus Content and limited release wallpaper!) Get the Wisdom app to join my AskMeAnything on Monday, Dec 19 at 8pm EST!2021-12-161h 15
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyThe Growing Threat of Minority RuleAir Date 12/12/2021 Today we take a look at the many structures of American government that tilt to favor minority rule and conservatism which, in our case, is one and the same. Some structures like the Senate and the filibuster were intentionally designed to give extra weight to the minority while others like gerrymandering and the influence of large-dollar political donors were, well, I suppose they were designed for about the same reason but just in a different way. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com 2021-12-121h 17
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyDisability Is Not Merely Physical or Mental But Is Also SocialAir Date 12/8/2021 Today we take a look at the state of disability rights and reexamine what we thought we knew about what it means to be disabled in a society that is not built to accommodate various physical and mental disabilities. Is one inherently disabled by their condition or do they become disabled when they bump up against unnecessary barriers in society? Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) O...2021-12-091h 14
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyCapitalism and Colonialism vs Climate ProgressAir Date 11/20/2021 Today we take a look at the state of international climate negotiations and the intersection of capitalism and colonialism in the role of indigenous peoples around the world in stewarding the lands in a climate-friendly way. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! SHOP BOMBAS BestOfTheLeft.com/Advertise Sponsor the show!2021-11-201h 01
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: You want it to be one way, but it's that other wayHear the full show by becoming a member! Original Air Date: 11-2-21 Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss: - Te deths of the Red Scare™ - Why some Christians think that empathy is a sin - Why those Christians are wrong about empathy being a sin - Why those Christians are probably just narcissists - Why we can all empathize with those Christians war on empathy (sort of) References: Strange Sound with Joseph Perr...2021-11-1815 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyHow to End HomelessnessAir Date 11/12/2021 Today we take a look at the current state of homelessness in America and the best solution we currently know of to tackle the problem. Surprisingly simple, the best way to end homelessness is to give people homes. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! CHECK OUT UNF*CKING THE REPUBLIC COFFEE! 2021-11-131h 07
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyThe Problem with Facebook is FacebookAir Date 11/9/2021 Today we take a look at the Facebook business model that is driving hate, lies, violence, extremism, and the breakdown of democracy around the world as well as some of the regulatory ideas geared toward reigning it in and mitigating the damage. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! BestOfTheLeft.com/Advertise Sponsor t...2021-11-101h 06
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Edition: Playing With ChildrenBECOME A MEMBER TO HEAR THE WHOLE SHOW! https://www.bestoftheleft.com/support Original Air Date: 10-21-21 Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss: - Why "Blacks Rule" - Hostile Architecture vs human needs - The Amanda Principle as relates to Paul Ryan - How the Right Wing Convinces Itself That Liberals are Evil - That Conservatives are dying to own the libs and still blaming liberals - The benefits of playing with kids2021-11-0916 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyThe Tea Party Too (School Board Backlash and the Dark Money Behind It)Air Date 11/6/2021 Today we take a look at the raucous school board meetings where parents have been expressing their displeasure with protecting one another from a deadly pandemic or making children aware of the existence of systemic racism in America. Just as with the Tea Party, the Dark Money behind the movement didn't light the fire but is very adept at fanning the flames. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content)2021-11-061h 03
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyThe Foxification of American Media (Fox News 25th Anniversary)Air Date 10/27/2021 Today we take a look at some of the ways that 25 years of Fox News has reshaped our media and political landscape. Crucially, understanding Fox isn't just about their influence on their conservative viewers but how they manage to hack the political conversation for the rest of us. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy!2021-10-281h 09
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyTax the Mother-Forking Rich (Pandora Papers and other Financial Tricks)Air Date 10/23/2021 Today we take a look at a few of the ways that enormous corporate and personal and family wealth is being hidden around the world, most prominently in the United States. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! Check out the Refuse Fascism podcast! BestOfTheLeft.com/Advertise Sponsor the show! 2021-10-231h 02
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyMissing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, 2Spirit and Relatives (MMIWG2S+)Air Date 10/20/2021 Today we take a look at the flip side of the so-called "Missing White Woman Syndrome" and highlight the structural legacies of colonialism that have put indigenous communities in North America at the greatest at risk of murder and rape among all demographics in the US and Canada. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy!...2021-10-201h 02
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyPillars of Copaganda and the Lies We Are Told About PoliceAir Date 10/16/2021 Today we take a look at some of the structures of "copaganda," from misreported stats and coverups to propagandistic opinion articles and police procedurals that flood the pop culture landscape. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! Check out the Refuse Fascism podcast! BestOfTheLeft.com/Advertise Sponsor the show! S...2021-10-171h 07
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: You Probably Need an Exorcism Air Date: 9-15-21 Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss: - Top-Down and Bottom-Up processing that leads to biased interpretation of information - Dying of individualism and federalism failures amid COVID - The legacy of Vietnamese refugees following the Vietnam War - What happens when attraction is stronger than any code of ethics or social pressure References: Google/Apple exposure notification API saved thousands of lives, but apps largely flopped in US Marion Days Span...2021-10-0314 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyA Crisis For Haitians, Not the US, on the BorderAir Date 9/29/2021 Today we take a look at the so-called "crisis" on the border involving Haitians attempting to cross into the United States. Some say it's a crisis the US is dealing with, others say it's inappropriate to call human beings a crisis. We humbly suggest that these human beings, not the US, are EXPERIENCING a crisis and the US is exacerbating it. And Biden, by following Trump’s policies, is creating a political crisis for himself. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com T...2021-09-301h 13
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyThe Ongoing Coup and Other Ways to Destroy DemocracyAir Date 9/25/2021 Today we take a look at the continuing efforts of Trump and his supporters to subvert and ultimately destroy democracy through conspiracy theories, gerrymandering and harassment campaigns Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: BestOfTheLeft.com/Descript CHECK OUT OUR FANCY PRODUCTION SOFTWARE! BestOfTheLeft.com/Advertise S...2021-09-261h 12
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyHealth, Race, Class, Gender and Gaslighting at Work (Texas Abortion Law and SOCTUS)Air Date 9/18/2021 Today we take a look at the new Texas abortion restrictions and the response from the Supreme Court along with lots of contextualizing commentary taking us back to the Fugitive Slave Act and all the way through to the strain of patriarchal White terrorism that is at the core of the current conservative movement. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share w...2021-09-181h 14
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: Constant Vigilance!Original Air Date: 9-1-21 Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss: - How dynastic billionaires are destroying democracy - The mass psychosis induced by discussing mass psychosis Reference: You Can Have Billionaires or You Can Have Democracy Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/Bes...2021-09-1513 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyThere is Nothing New About Right-Wing Extremist ViolenceAir Date 9/11/2021 Today we dig through the archives to give deeper context to the current wave of right-wing extremists threatening violence against the government, our election system, mask and vaccine COVID measures and anyone not agreeing with their conspiratorial worldview. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: BestOfTheLeft.com/Descript C...2021-09-111h 08
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyThe Physical Structures of Structural Racism and the Fight for Environmental JusticeAir Date 9/8/2021 Today we take a look at the legacy of red-lining, the building and subsequent destruction of Black communities and the health and environmental impacts of segregation. The concept of “Structural Racism” is often a metaphor, not something physical that you can touch, but that is not the case when it comes to environmental racism. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely...2021-09-081h 04
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyPower, Policies and Prejudice in a World of RefugeesAir Date 9/4/2021 Today we take a look at the slow motion disaster that is the worldwide refugee crisis. We start with the recent focus on Afghan refugees fleeing their country in the wake of America's 20-year war before expanding the view to American and European policies toward asylum-seekers from around the world. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's t...2021-09-041h 05
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyAfghanistan: Where We Go From HereAir Date 8/28/2021 Today we take a look at our departure from Afghanistan, how the decisions were made to leave in this fashion and what we should go going forward to prevent similar foreign escapades in the future Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: BestOfTheLeft.com/Descript CHECK OUT OUR F...2021-08-281h 05
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyAfghanistan: The Long Road to Now (Remix)Air Date 8/25/2021 Today we take a look at the history of the war in Afghanistan. First of all, do you think that it's been going on for 20 years? Think again, it's been a lot longer than that. From British Empire Building to Cold War gamesmanship, Afghanistan has been a center of conflict since long before American citizens bothered to take notice. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.c...2021-08-251h 14
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyThe Long Legacy of Making Deals with the Devil (Bipartisanship)Air Date 8/21/2021 Today we take a look at the history of bipartisanship and appeasement in the US dating back to before the Civil War and tracking it all the way up to the current negotiations over the infrastructure bill. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: BestOfTheLeft.com/Descript CHECK OU...2021-08-2159 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyThe legacy of White Supremacy in schools, health care and public poolsAir Date 8/10/2021 Today we take a look at the mechanisms by which the legacy of White Supremacy is harmful to the health and wellbeing of individuals and society as a whole. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: BestOfTheLeft.com/Descript CHECK OUT OUR FANCY PRODUCTION SOFTWARE! BestOfTheLeft.c...2021-08-101h 12
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyWishing Cuba well in one breath, enforcing the embargo in the nextAir Date 8/1/2021 Today we take a look at the anti-government protests in Cuba in the context of decades of anti-communist propaganda in the US and our punishing embargo intended to destabilize Cuba to the point of governmental collapse. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: BestOfTheLeft.com/Descript CHECK OUT OU...2021-08-021h 06
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyStealing Native Children and Their FutureAir Date 7/28/2021 Today we take a look at the legacy of residential schools for native children in the US and Canada. We hear some of the voices of victims, from those looking to establish truth and reconciliation and some thoughts on what it would really take to get a full accounting of this genocide and its impact through generations. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer S...2021-07-291h 12
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyAbortion laws are changing and so is how we talk about itAir Date 7/24/2021 Today we take a look at the messaging wars over abortion and reproductive justice more broadly as well as the politics of supporting full abortion rights and the likely restrictions coming at the hands of the Supreme Court. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: BestOfTheLeft.com/Descript C...2021-07-241h 07
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus Sample: Even Nazis Want to do a War DanceAir Date: 7-2-21 Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss: - Why the right wing, and many others, fetishize native tribes in the US HEAR THE REST! BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) References: VOA News: Going 'Native': Why Are Americans Hijacking Cherokee Identity? https://www.voanews.com/usa/going-native-why-are-americans-hijacking-cherokee-identity HuffPost: Why White Americans Love To Claim Native Ancestry https://www.huffpost.com/entry/opinion-warren-cherokee-dna_n_5bc63a69e4b0a8f1...2021-07-1618 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyThe Grit, Glory and Gaslighting of the Olympic GamesAir Date 7/13/2021 Today we take a look at the costs of the Olympic Games including financial, ethical, moral and social. Private profits come at the hands of public investment, disruption of communities, curtailing of rights and, this year, extensive health risks. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: BestOfTheLeft.com/De...2021-07-141h 16
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyLabor Shortages and the War to Keep Wages Low and Profits HighAir Date 7/6/2021 Today we take a look at the talking points and policy pushes that have kept wages in America artificially low for decades. The circumstances today are almost entirely new with unprecedented, COVID-related upheaval shocking the economy and labor market but the tactics used the demean workers and undermine their rights are as old as the hills. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign u...2021-07-071h 02
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyBonus: Justifications rather than justiceAir Date: 6-17-21 Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss: - Exploitation of the poor carefully explained away - Increasing wealth of the ungodly wealthy raucously celebrated Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com 2021-07-0315 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyThe Consequences of Everyday RacismAir Date 6/29/2021 Today we take a look at racism on a more personal level than usual with a focus on individual lived experiences that still speak to the systemic nature racism more broadly. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Notes and Transcript (https://www.bestoftheleft.com/1427) BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: BestOfTheLeft.com/Descript C...2021-06-301h 02
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyThe Liberation and Assimilation of Pride MonthAir Date 6/26/2021 Today we take a look at the mainstreaming of Pride in recent decades and what that is doing to the liberatory origins of the Pride movement. Corporatization and "pink washing" highlight the wide-but-shallow support for LGBTQ liberation while debate over inclusion of LGBTQ police marching in uniform highlight the remaining oppressions that are still ignored by large swaths of the more mainstream-friendly LGBTQ community. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Notes and Transcript (https://www.bestoftheleft.com/1426) ...2021-06-271h 09
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyRemembering and Learning from History (Tulsa Massacre and Juneteenth)Air Date 6/23/2021 Today we take a look at the purposeful effort to erase the history of anti-Black terrorism in America and the renewed efforts expose our true history in order to learn from it and create the opportunity for healing. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Notes & Transcript (https://www.bestoftheleft.com/1425) BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! OUR AFFILIATE L...2021-06-241h 01
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyFighting with at least two hands tied (Conservative Democrats Manchin and Sinema)Air Date 6/19/2021 Today we take a look at the politics of obstruction in service to big donors' interests while sacrificing the ability to run a functioning democracy in the process. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: BestOfTheLeft.com/Descript CHECK OUT OUR FANCY PRODUCTION SOFTWARE! BestOfTheLeft.com/Bl...2021-06-191h 04
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyValue: Health Insurance companies and Surveillance CapitalismDo you feel valued by your health insurance company? Because they are definitely working to extract as much value out of you as they can. Air Date: 6-4-21 Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss: - The native residential schools - Broken health insurance exchanges - Health insurance company meddling - Health insurance companies using surveillance capitalism - Feeble efforts to resist commodification Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for...2021-06-1618 min
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyA Microcosm of our Broken Society (Sports)Air Date 6/12/2021 Today we take a look at the politics of sports including racism, sexism, capitalism, media and mental health. So, pretty much just like regular politics but with the one group of rich people who society broadly thinks don't have a right to be heard. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! OUR AFFILIATE L...2021-06-121h 08
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyTeach No Evil, Protest No Evil, Vote Not At AllAir Date 6/9/2021 Today we take a look at the motivations behind legislation being introduced in statehouses around the country to ban the teaching of Critical Race Theory, criminalize the right to protest and limit the right to vote. Now if only there were some theory we could look to to understand the complicated interconnectedness of these subtly racist ideas... Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer S...2021-06-101h 08
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyThe Rise of China and the Freak Out of the WestAir Date 6/6/2021 Today we take a look at the tensions building between the US and China with an emphasis on understanding the context in which China has grown from a Cold War afterthought into a force capable of challenging American hegemony. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript LISTEN TO UNF*CKING THE REPUBLIC! BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! ...2021-06-071h 05
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyAlexa Is Not Your Friend (Digital vs Democratic Futures)Air Date 6/1/2021 Today we take a look at the world of surveillance capitalism and the current age of techno-optimism that is just the newest iteration of the age-old effort to consolidate power and wealth by undermining individual freedom and democratic self governance. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy! OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: BestOfTheLeft.c...2021-06-021h 10
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracyLosing support for the indefensible (Israel and Palestine)Air Date 5/25/2021 Today we take a look through a wide-angle lens at the current flareup of the conflict in Israel and Palestine including a discussion of disparate power dynamics, lived experience in Palestine, the creation story of Hamas, understanding the definition of apartheid and recognizing how the reactions in American politics and media are shifting. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BestOfTheLeft.com/Refer Sign up, share widely, g...2021-05-261h 01
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and DemocracySample Bonus Edition: Just don't make me think, I have to get to work.Air Date: 5-11-21 Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss: #NotAllEngineers Hoping to remake the culture with the power of government is optimistic Corporate virtue signaling while upholding the status quo injustice Gender and fish are bullshit Who put the T into LGBTQ? Addendum: just don’t make me think. References: On Tyranny - Timothy Snyder Red Bull, Elon Musk, and Matt Gaetz - The Bulwark Brooke speaks with Lulu Miller about her new book, "Why Fish Do...2021-05-1223 min