Air Date 4/14/2025

Everything, it turns out, is a double-edged sword. Democracy and freedom are great but it also contains the keys to its own destruction. Love is pretty good but it turns out that only love can break your heart. And technology, which has freed people from countless hours of menial labor also has the power to subsume our economy, our politics, and much of our everyday lives. It may even be said to have supplanted capitalism itself.

Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email [email protected]

Full Show Notes | Transcript

BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)

Join our Discord community!

ACTIVISM ROUNDUP

KEY POINTS

KP 1: The Broligarchy Pt 2: Is this Techno-Fascism? Part 1 - Close All Tabs - Air Date 4-2-25

KP 2: Capitalism Has Mutated Into Something Worse with Yanis Varoufakis - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 2-7-24

KP 3: How Technofacism is Rooted in Silicon Valley / Becca Lewis Part 1 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 2-11-25

KP 4: We Went To Georgia Facebooks Data Center Took This Town Hostage - More Perfect Union - Air Date 3-27-25

KP 5: The Rise of Techno-Authoritarianism - Radio Atlantic - Air Date 2-26-24

KP 6: What does Palantir actually do? - Good Work - Air Date 3-28-25

(00:52:52) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On the faustian bargain of the internet's walled gardens

DEEPER DIVES

(01:02:20) SECTION A: FALLOUT

(01:45:41) SECTION B: ORIGINS

(02:10:50) SECTION C: TECH BROS

(02:37:42) SECTION D: APARTHEID

Technofeudalism

Description: A composite image of Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and Jeff Bezos wearing tiny golden crowns with dollar signs on them. An illustration of tiny replication of workers at desks in cubicles is in the background.

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!

Follow BotL: Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads | X

Introducing Dr. Vonda Wright: Formula to Lose Weight and Gain Muscle (Why your Current Workout is Not Giving You Results) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

How often do you work out?

What’s been the biggest challenge in your fitness journey so far?

In today’s episode, Jay sits down with Dr. Vonda Wright, an orthopedic surgeon and researcher specializing in active aging and longevity. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay feeling youthful as you age, lose stubborn fat, and improve your sleep,, this conversation is packed with life changing insights.

Jay and Dr. Wright start by debunking the myth that aging is an inevitable decline. Dr. Wright explains how lifestyle choices in your 20s and 30s directly impact how you feel in your 40s, 50s, and beyond. They dive into how excess fat, especially around the belly, isn’t just about appearance—it’s a sign of inflammation that accelerates aging. Dr. Wright shares how movement, muscle mass, and diet play a crucial role in fat loss and energy levels.

They also explore the powerful body-brain connection. Dr. Wright breaks down how physical activity releases key proteins that protect the brain from cognitive decline and diseases like dementia. Jay and Dr. Wright discuss how poor sleep can sabotage fat loss, slow down recovery, and disrupt hormones—leading to more cravings, weight gain, and reduced longevity.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How fat storage impacts aging and energy levels.

The critical role of sleep in weight loss and brain function.

How movement and muscle mass keep you youthful.

How lifestyle choices in your 30s affect long-term health.

Why fitness-based friendships can improve your health.

If you want to stay sharp, maintain a healthy weight, and build lasting habits that help you thrive for decades, this episode gives you the tools to start now.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free Monk Mode newsletter. Subscribe here.

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro 

01:43 Your Perception Of Aging Is A Myth

05:31 Develop Healthy Habits in Your 20s

10:07 Why Your Sleep Can Fall Apart in Midlife

16:58 Can You Restock Years Of Not Sleeping?

22:09 Sleep Deprivation is Sabotaging Your Weight Loss

26:45 The Weight Loss Formula That Actually Works 

36:04 There Is A Difference Between Being Healthy & Fit

43:13 Fitness Is A Great Way To Connect

46:17 How To Lose Stubborn Belly Fat

55:30 The Body Brain Connection is Integral to 

1:01:39 Don’t Make Excuses to Start Making Changes In Your Life

1:04:24 Mobility is One of the Most Important Skills for Aging Well 

1:09:51 Break Free from Your Limiting Beliefs

1:17:15 Vonda Wright on Final 5

Episode Resources:

Vonda Wright| Website

Vonda Wright| YouTube 

Vonda Wright| Linkedin

Vonda Wright| Instagram

Vonda Wright| Facebook

Vonda Wright| Tiktok

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

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 [email protected]

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 and audiobook purchasing experience!

Join our Discord community!

Show Notes

Ch. 1: Peter Beinart on anti-Semitism in America and illiberalism in Israel - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 11-28-18

Ch. 2: Inequality and the Fight Against Anti-Semitism Q&A with Paul Jay (2/5) - @TheRealNews - Air Date 11-1-18

Ch. 3: Advocates: Israel’s Jewish Nation-State Law Constitutionally Enshrines Racism Against Palestinians - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 7-23-18

Ch. 4: Canada's Trudeau Attacks BDS, Joins Trump & Israel Blaming 'Both Sides' for Anti-Semitism - @TheRealNews - Air Date 11-12-18

Ch. 5: Noam Chomsky Condemns Israel’s Shift to Far Right & New “Jewish Nation-State” Law - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 7-30-18

Ch. 6: The Last Temptation of Evangelicals - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 5-21-18

Ch. 7: Saudi Crown Prince Tells Palestinians to 'Shut up' as He Cozies up to Israel - @TheRealNews - Air Date 5-3-18

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!

Follow BotL: Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads | X

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at [email protected]

Introducing LIZZO EXCLUSIVE: “Releasing The Weight Has Affected People” The Real Transformation Story She’s Never Shared Before from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

How would your life change if your healing reshaped not just your body, but your entire way of being?

What if the real change wasn’t about losing anything—but about gaining a deeper connection to yourself?

In this deeply vulnerable episode, global superstar Lizzo sits down with Jay for an unfiltered conversation about loss, boundaries, transformation, and what it really feels like living in the spotlight. Lizzo shares how her loyalty to friends and her habit of seeing the good in everyone sometimes came at the cost of her own peace.

She shares what happened when she finally stopped chasing relationships that no longer served her—and how distance gave her clarity on who was truly in her corner. Lizzo opens up about the pain of letting people go, the reality of feeling isolated, and the music that came out of her lowest moments.

Lizzo dives deep into how the recent public scandal impacted her—and why she’s now more intentional than ever with her words, her energy, and her healing. Lizzo opens up about the responsibility of being a public figure, how her weight release journey evolved into a powerful personal transformation, and why she's chosen to let go of toxic energy.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to Let Go of One-Sided Relationships

Why Some People Disappear When You Set Boundaries

How to Honor Your Emotions Without Editing Them

How Your Energy Shapes What You Attract

How Love Without Drama Becomes a Flow State

What It Means to Grow Apart Without Guilt

Why Intentional Healing Starts With Self-Awareness

Lizzo’s transformation is a reminder that you can still believe in people—and protect yourself. You can evolve—and still be soft. And you can face the hardest season of your life—and still come back to love.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. 

Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there! 

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

02:31 Sound Bath For Healing

07:40 Understanding Astrology to Change Your Life

10:38 Choose How to Lead Your Life 

15:28 How to Protect Your Peace

19:28 Getting Inspiration from Grief

26:02 Set Boundaries to Protect Yourself

35:05 Do You Believe in Love?

39:24 Continue to Be Yourself

43:14 Stand Up for Your Cause

46:39 Stop Forcing Relationships to Happen

50:18 Know Your Role, Stay in Your Lane

56:36 Advice for Aspiring Artist

58:40 How to Become an Unconditional Lover

01:02:40 The Power of Self Love 

01:05:51 Be Real About Your Journey

01:11:03 Letting Go of What’s Holding You Back

01:14:12 Become the Best Version of Yourself

01:15:45 Lizzo on Final Five

Episode Resources:

Lizzo | Website

Lizzo | YouTube

Lizzo | Instagram 

Lizzo | TikTok 

Lizzo| X

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Air Date 4/5/2025

Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past. And with Trump in place, the Christian Nationalists are looking to rewrite history to their liking in order to create the dystopian future they desire.

Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email [email protected]

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!

KEY POINTS

KP 1: Donald Trump is Rewriting the Past. Plus, the Christian Groups Vying for Political Power - On The Media - Air Date 2-17-25

KP 2: Trumps Vision for America I Am God - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 3-7-25

KP 3: How to Stand Up to Project 2025 and Save Public Education - Assembly Required - Air Date 12-12-24

KP 4: How School Integration Failed Black Students w Noliwe Rooks - This Is Hell! - Air Date 3-19-25

KP 5: Trump Can't Destroy The Dept. Of Education But He Will - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 3-7-25

KP 6: Trump orders 'restoring' American history through Smithsonian overhaul - Trump's Terms - Air Date 3-28-25

KP 7: Make America Great Again means segregation - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 3-25-25

KP 8: Does Trump Have A Mandate - Stop Christian Nationalism - Air Date 11-20-24

(00:54:50) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On the power of repetition

DEEPER DIVES

(01:00:41) SECTION A: PUBLIC EDUCATION

(01:45:37.350) SECTION B: CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM

(02:35:29) SECTION C: RELATED TOPICS

SHOW IMAGE CREDITS for #1702 - White nationalism

Description: A composite image of an illustration of Trump holding up a white cross against a dark background of a brick wall painted with the American flag.

Credit: Custom composite design. | Components License: Pixabay

Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!

Introducing Part 1 – The Data Revolution from Science Will Win.

Follow the show: Science Will Win

The intersection of biology and technology is revolutionizing drug discovery. In this episode, host Jeremiah Owyang and expert guests explore the crucial role of data in advancing medical science, from the serendipitous discoveries of the past to the cutting-edge techniques of today. They delve into the history of drug development, the rise of "omics," and the innovative single-cell sequencing that is transforming our understanding of the human body for the benefit of drug discovery. Today, scientists are using vast amounts of data to fuel artificial intelligence models, in the quest for new and better medicines.

Featured Guests:
– James Lowe, Research Fellow at the University of Exeter
– Kellie Kravarik, Associate Research Fellow and Cellular Genomics Group Leader for Systems Immunology at Pfizer
– Miguel Garcia-Sancho, Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Edinburgh

Season 4 of Science Will Win is created by Pfizer and hosted by Jeremiah Owyang, entrepreneur, investor, and tech industry analyst. It’s produced by Wonder Media Network.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Air Date 4/2/2025

Love them or loathe them, the Democratic Party is the political institution available to the left to structurally take on Trumpism but we need a whole lot of new energy and new commitments to the fight to turn them into an opposition worthy of the moment we face.

Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email [email protected]

Full Show Notes | Transcript

New Format Notes Code

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!

KEY POINTS

KP 1: 'Now is the time to break glass’: Chris Hayes reacts to Schumer interview 'Now is the time to break glass’: Chris Hayes reacts to Schumer interview - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 3-19-25

KP 2: Why Are Some Democrats Trying To Be Republicans？- Kat Abughazaleh - Air Date 3-3-25

KP 3: WATCH: Crowd ROARS As AOC Lays Out Fighting Strategy For Democratic Party - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 3-23-25

KP 4: Why Democrats Are Failing Us - Bean Thinking - Air Date 3-19-25

KP 5: Why Im Running For Congress - Kat Abughazaleh - Air Date 3-24-25

KP 6: Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (D-IL) Speaks at the 2025 HRC Los Angeles Dinner - Human Rights Campaign - Air Date 3-24-25

(00:48:03) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

With a VM on trans kids and a sneek peek at SOLVED!

DEEPER DIVES

(00:58:17) SECTION A: 

(01:37:40) SECTION B: 

(02:19:15) SECTION C: 

(02:35:50) SECTION D: 

(02:55:46) SECTION E: 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!

Follow BotL: Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads | X

Introducing David Blaine: I Nearly Died Doing This (How to Conquer Fear and Push Your Limits) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

What’s a fear you want to overcome?

How do you stay calm under pressure?

What if the only limits you had were the ones you refused to break? Today, in this spellbinding episode, world-renowned illusionist, endurance artist, and master of the impossible, David Blaine, sits down for a deep and insightful conversation that goes far beyond magic. Known for his jaw-dropping stunts, being buried alive, standing encased in ice for days, and holding his breath underwater for over 17 minutes, David has captivated audiences worldwide. But behind the spectacle lies a profound philosophy of discipline, resilience, and the boundless potential of the human mind.

Jay and David explore what drives someone to willingly push themselves to their absolute limits, both physically and mentally. David opens up about his mindset, revealing how he prepares for extreme feats that defy human expectations. He explains the power of visualization, breathwork, and sheer willpower in overcoming pain, fear, and doubt. But this conversation isn’t just about physical endurance, it’s about the mental and emotional strength required to navigate life’s greatest challenges. David shares personal stories of setbacks and perseverance, showing that even in moments of failure, there is wisdom to be gained.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Train Your Mind to Overcome Fear

How to Build Unbreakable Mental Resilience

How to Use Breathwork to Enhance Endurance

How to Stay Calm Under Extreme Pressure

How to Push Past Your Physical Limits

How to Cultivate Childlike Curiosity for Creativity

How to Reframe Failure as a Stepping Stone

No matter what obstacles stand in your way, remember: you are stronger than you think, and capable of more than you realize. Believe in yourself, stay curious, and never stop challenging what’s possible.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here.

Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there!

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:41 The Subway Trick that Started It All

04:39 Lessons from the Above the Below

09:10 What Happens When You Don’t Feel Hunger

11:34 Pushing the Body Beyond Its Limit

17:25 The Capabilities of the Human Body

22:52 The Knife Stunt   

26:25 The Bullet-Catch Trick

30:12 Break Free from Your Comfort Zone

32:27 Push the Boundaries of Your Growth

34:41 Some Stunts are Just Too Dangerous

41:46 Pushing Yourself Without Risking Your Life

45:04 Failure Leads to Continuous Learning

47:26 The Riskiest Illusion 

49:29 Processing the Pain of Grief

53:32 Everything is About Perspective

57:14 Open Up Your Mind with Books

01:01:24 Every Person is Unique

01:03:06 The Bridge Jump, Anything is Possible

01:09:13 David on Final Five 

Episode Resources:

David Blaine | Website

David Blaine | YouTube

David Blaine | Instagram 

David Blaine | Facebook 

David Blaine | X 

David Blaine Do Not Attempt

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Air Date 3/28/2025

You might not be trans yourself but that's just like how coal miners aren't canaries because when they saw that the canaries were under threat, they knew the danger was all around them. Fascists always start with those who are the easiest to dehumanize but they never stop there.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Watch, like, subscribe & comment on our newly-launched YouTube show, SOLVED!

Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email [email protected]

Full Show Notes | Transcript

BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)

Join our Discord community!

Activism Roundup

KEY POINTS

KP 1: The Threat of Project 2025 on LGBTQ+ Rights - The Blueprint with Jen Psaki - Air Date 9-16-24

KP 2: The fight to protect LGBTQ+ rights from Trump - Politics Weekly America - Air Date 1-31-25

KP 3: Ezra Young on Trans Rights Law, Anne Sosin on RFK Jr. and Rural Health - CounterSpin - Air Date 2-7-25

KP 4: The Rights About-Turn on Parental Rights - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 11-30-24

KP 5: Humanizing Trans People Laverne Cox - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-23-25

KP 6: Imperialism and Totalitarianism Go Hand in Hand M. Gessen on Trumps Policies at Home & Abroad - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-14-25

KP 7: The Fight for Trans Futures - In The Thick - Air Date 12-12-24

KP 8: Know Your LGBTQIA+ Rights with Chase Strangio - At Liberty - Air Date 2-13-25

(01:02:12) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On the launch of SOLVED!

DEEPER DIVES

(01:10:48) SECTION A: POLICY ROLLSBACKS

(01:47:25) SECTION B: DEHUMANIZATION

(02:25:13) SECTION C: HISTORICAL ATTACKS

(02:59:41) SECTION D: STORIES 

(03:29:55) SECTION E: TRANS JOY AND RESISTANCE 

Follow BotL: Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads | X

Introducing In Defense of PAW Patrol from Revisionist History.

Follow the show: Revisionist History

PAW Patrol is in trouble. Like Ryder and the pups, Malcolm comes to the rescue.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].