Air Date: 3–24-25

Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss:

- Our new game Satire Showdown

- The authoritarian takeover of the term common sense

- How Americans actually feel about DEI initiatives

- The right’s turn on Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett

- A deep dive on the theory of a multiracial Right and how Democrats should respond

FOLLOW US ON:

Bluesky

Mastadon

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e

REFERENCES:

How populist leaders like Trump use ‘common sense’ as an ideological weapon to undermine facts  - The Conversation

The Age of Anti-Woke Overreach - The Atlantic

‘She is evil’: Amy Coney Barrett under attack by right wing after USAid ruling - The Guardian

Trump and the Rise of the Multiracial Right - In These Times

“Common Sense” - Concepts: Human Intelligence. Song: Artificial Intelligence. Based on SOLVED! Ep. #342: Common Sense Is Not So Common (March 25th)

Find your Indivisible group - or start one

Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121

Use the 5 Calls app for scripts and to reach all your elected officials

Join our Discord Server

Reach us via Signal:

Bestoftheleft.01

Leave a message at 202-999-3991

Produced by:

Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Contact me directly at [email protected]

Review the show on Apple Podcasts!

Introducing Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco EXCLUSIVE: Their Love Story Like You’ve Never Heard Before from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

How did Selena and Benny first meet?

What makes their love story unique?

On today’s episode of On Purpose, Jay sits down with global superstar Selena Gomez and acclaimed music producer Benny Blanco where they share their love story like they never have before. They open up about their personal journey—one that didn’t start with an immediate spark.

Their story is full of humor, mixed signals, and that moment when it all clicked. Benny once thought Selena didn’t like him, while Selena, protecting her heart, kept her distance. But as their friendship grew, they built something real—a relationship rooted in trust, respect, open communication, and always supporting each other. Their story is a true testament that love unfolds when the timing is right.

Together, Jay, Selena, and Benny reflect on the power of embracing love, letting go of past fears, and choosing a partner who helps you grow. Their journey serves as a beautiful reminder that love often comes when you least expect it—but when it’s right, you’ll know.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Build a Strong Friendship Before Dating

How to Communicate Openly in a Relationship

How to Maintain Trust in a Long-Distance Relationship

How to Support Your Partner’s Emotional Needs

How to Balance a Busy Career with a Healthy Relationship

Selena and Benny’s story reminds us that true love isn’t defined by grand gestures or perfection—it’s about finding someone who sees you for who you are, supports you through life’s challenges, and makes even the simplest moments feel special.

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

01:10 Male Friendships Can Be Challenging

03:01 First Meeting & Deep Conversations

08:48 How It All Started

16:32 Opening Up to Love Again

18:57 It All Happens for a Reason

21:08 Finding Genuine Love

27:13 Be Kind to Yourself

33:37 Don’t Let Negativity Dictate Your Life

37:55 Cultivating Relationships with Trust

48:22 This is How Emotionally Mature Relationships Work      

57:08 The Proposal 

01:05:29 Wedding Planning

01:06:26 Recording an Album Together

01:13:17 Future Family Plans

01:18:03 Selena and Benny on Fun Questions

Episode Resources:

Selena Gomez | Website

Selena Gomez | Facebook

Selena Gomez | Twitter

Selena Gomez | Instagram

Selena Gomez | YouTube

Benny Blanco | TikTok

Benny Blanco | Instagram

Benny Blanco | YouTube

Benny Blanco | Twitter

Benny Blanco | Facebook

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 3/21/2025

If you've been paying attention, the weaponization of the government against Trump's political and ideological enemies is exactly what you would have seen coming and now it's here.

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: Special - The Arrest of Mahmoud Khalil w/ Spencer Ackerman - American Prestige - Air Date 3-12-25

KP 2: Trump Invokes Wartime Alien Enemies Act, Then Ignores Judicial Order to Turn Around Deportation Flights - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-17-25

KP 3: Are Non-Violent Protestors Now Labeled "Terrorists?" - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 6-20-13

KP 4: John Harwood on Trump's attack on free speech: ‘Everyone in civil society needs to stand up' - Velshi - Air Date 3-6-24

KP 5: Trump Hates Science - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 3-14-25

KP 6: Fascism is Officially Here | Hasanabi reacts - Hasanabi Productions - Air Date 3-17-25

(48:46) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On the need for us to protect each other

DEEPER DIVES

(53:17) SECTION A: FREE SPEECH CAN BE TERRORISM

(1:25:56) SECTION B: OPPOSING TRUMP CAN BE TERRORISM

(1:43:42) SECTION C: DOJ, FBI, & THE JUDICIARY

(2:20:30) SECTION D: GOVERNMENT FUNCTION

SHOW IMAGE

Description: Protestors in New York City hold signs that say “Release Mahmoud Khalil - Hands off our students” and “Release Mahmoud Khalil” with the activist’s photo.

Credit: “Mahmoud Khalil NYC detention protest 013” by SWinxy, Wikimedia | License: CC BY 4.0

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!

Follow BotL: Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads | X

Introducing Coming Soon – Science Will Win, Season 4 from Science Will Win.

Follow the show: Science Will Win

Artificial intelligence has the potential to help save millions of lives by accelerating the discovery and development of treatments for humanity’s toughest diseases. Those AI innovations come down to three key factors: data, hardware, and software. Science Will Win Season 4 takes listeners on a journey back in time to learn how each of these three elements got where it is today. Each episode features interviews with historians and cutting-edge researchers, framing these deep historical dives within modern advancements in medical technology. What challenges did science have to overcome to bring us where we are today, the midst of an AI revolution in medicine? Tune in to this new, four-part series, coming soon!

Season 4 of Science Will Win is created by Pfizer and hosted by Jeremiah Owyang, entrepreneur, investor, and tech industry analyst.

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: 3–19-25

Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss:

- A special little ditty Jay put together

- The legitimate problems that helped birth the damaging MAHA movement

- Sherrod Brown’s OpEd on how the Democrats lost their way

- What Jay learned from India’s railway engineers

- An interview with Ro Khanna that sparked some hope

FOLLOW US ON:

Bluesky

Mastadon

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e

REFERENCES:

“Like a Flame in the Night” - Based on SOLVED! Ep. #340: Prophetic Voices from the Past and Hope for the Future (March 9th)

Health Paranoia and the Politics of MAHA

Democrats Must Become the Workers’ Party Again

Ro Khanna Is Doing More Than Voting 'No'

Find your Indivisible group - or start one

Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121

Use the 5 Calls app for scripts and to reach all your elected officials

Join our Discord Server

Reach us via Signal:

Bestoftheleft.01

Leave a message at 202-999-3991

Produced by:

Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Contact me directly at [email protected]

Review the show on Apple Podcasts!

Introducing Measles Spreads. So Does Disinformation. from America Dissected.

Follow the show: America Dissected

Abdul and Katelyn talk about the current measles outbreak, the danger of relitigating the MMR vaccine again, and the latest round of DOGE cuts to public health. They also peek into the confirmation hearings for Trump’s picks to lead NIH and the FDA, where Senators pressed hard against vaccine skepticism. Then Abdul talks to Adrienne Ammerman, founder of the public health communications platform Arclet.

Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts!

This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by:

de Beaumont Foundation: For 25 years, the de Beaumont Foundation has worked to create practical solutions that improve the health of communities across the country. To learn more, visit debeaumont.org. 

Thrive Market: Head to thrivemarket.com/AD and get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift!

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 3/18/2025

In this special Podcasthon episode, we're joining thousands of podcasts around the world in taking the opportunity this week to support a cause or organization that we believe in. In this time of fighting fascism, Best of the Left has chosen to support Indivisible, the grassroots organizing team that's working to resist Trumpism and pressure Democrats to do the same. Follow the link in the description of this episode to make a donation but also take a moment to find and join your local Indivisible chapter to stay engaged.

SUPPORT INDIVISIBLE WITH A DONATION AND SIGN UP WITH YOUR LOCAL CHAPTER!

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: Bernie Response Does Huge Numbers｜One Democrat Defies Trump - The Rational National - Air Date 3-5-25

KP 2: How to Rebuild the Left as the Far Right Floods the Zone - UNFTR Media - Air Date 2-5-25

KP 3: How to Really Resist - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 2-28-25

KP 4: Republicans finally go NUCLEAR over town hall disasters - Brian Tyler Cohen - Air Date 3-5-25

KP 5: How Leftists Can Win in 2025 - Harper O'Conner - Air Date 1-3-25

KP 6: Gov. Pritzker SLAMS Trump and Musk in closing remarks of State of the State address - NBC Chicago - Air Date 2-19-25

(50:04) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Giving the call to join the fight at Indivisible.org

DEEPER DIVES

(52:46) SECTION A: STRATEGY & GOALS

(1:16:30) SECTION B: HUMOR AS A TACTIC

(1:35:34) SECTION C: PROTEST

(1:54:57) SECTION D: BOYCOTT

(2:13:48) SECTION E: RESOURCES

(2:37:09) SECTION F: POWER STRUCTURES

SHOW IMAGE

Description: A protestor holds a Trans Pride flag with the word RESIST (with an equals sign in the E) in front of a state capitol building.

Credit: Private permission photo

Introducing Wendy Suzuki: 2 Powerful Tools To Use When You Feel Stressed Out (This Will Lower Your Anxiety in 1 Minute) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

What’s one thing that’s been stressing you out lately?

Have you noticed any physical signs of stress in your body?

Today, Jay with renowned neuroscientist, professor, and author Dr. Wendy Suzuki to explore the science of anxiety, stress, and resilience. Wendy is the author of Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion and Healthy Brain, Happy Life, where she explores how movement, mindfulness, and positive habits can enhance brain function. 

Jay and Wendy discuss the physiological effects of chronic stress, how it impacts key brain regions like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and why movement, breathwork, and mindfulness are essential for improving brain health. They also examine why so many people ignore their own stress cues and how simple daily habits can rewire the brain for greater well-being.

Wendy opens up about her personal experience with grief, explaining that the flip side of anxiety and grief is deep love. She shares why embracing these emotions, rather than avoiding them, is key to healing. Jay also reflects on his own journey of overcoming anxiety and the mindset shifts that foster growth and resilience.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety Through Breathwork

How to Use Movement to Improve Brain Health

How to Identify Your Personal Stress Cues

How to Build Resilience After Trauma

How to Create a Morning Routine for Mental Clarity

How to Foster Meaningful Social Connections for Brain Health

Instead of letting stress and anxiety control you, start taking small, intentional steps to rewire your mind for resilience, clarity, and joy.

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

01:11 Get to Know the Brain's Potential

02:10 What Makes a Healthy Brain?

04:35 The Complexity of the Brain

06:12 Scientific Difference Between Anxiety and Stress

09:42 Breathing Techniques for Anxiety

15:36 The Dangers of Chronic Stress

17:34 Protect Your Brain from Stress and Anxiety

19:38 What's Your Morning Routine?

21:39 Exercise Promotes Better Brain Function

23:36 Staying Focused Takes Effort

26:34 Start Small to Build a Habit

28:38 Everyday Anxiety Versus Anxiety Disorder

33:05 How to Look at Anxiety Differently

36:24 Approaching Grief with Positivity

40:03 How Resilient is the Brain?

42:57 Emotional Trauma 

45:19 Can We Resilience Against Trauma?

47:29 The Joy Conditioning

52:32 The Classic Growth Mindset

57:13 What Happens in the Brain During Healing 

01:00:20 The 5 Pillars of Better Brain Health

01:05:48 Find a Natural Place of Community Gathering

01:07:43 Develop the Love for Learning

01:11:37 Your Brain is Beautiful

01:14:04 Does Positive Affirmation Work?

01:15:05 4 Things That Make Memories Stick

01:19:35 How to Strengthen Your Memory

01:20:47 Wendy on Final Five 

Episode Resources:

Wendy Suzuki | Website

Wendy Suzuki | Flickr

Wendy Suzuki | Instagram 

Wendy Suzuki | Facebook 

Wendy Suzuki | LinkedIn

Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion

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 3/15/2025

It always bears repeating that the progressive perspective on the state of the world is not that everything was going just fine before Trump showed up but there's a world of difference between the leftist desire to improve things and Trump's bull-in-a-china-shop foreign and economic policies. Allow us to list the ways.

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!

KEY POINTS

1: Project 2025 Foreign Policy America Last - The Tristan Snell Show - Air Date 8-15-25

2: March 6, 2025 Full Show - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-6-25

3: Trump's Foreign Policy - It Could Happen Here - 11-14-24

4: Ukraine's Fight for Self-Determination w/ Howie Hawkins - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 3-3-25

5: Russia, Ukraine, US The Global Chessboard - WhoWhatWhy's Podcasts - Air Date 3-4-25

6: After restarting aid to Ukraine, U.S. will present ceasefire proposal to Russia - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 3-11-25

7: Trump's tariff tumult - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 3-6-25

8: Trumps On-and-Off-Again Tariffs, and Decoding Make America Healthy Again - On the Media - Air Date 3-7-25

9: Global Chess Europe's Unity Strengthens While American Trade Policy Falters - The Tristan Snell Show - Air Date 3-6-25

(59:04) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On Monthly-ish Recaps and the week of activism

DEEPER DIVES

(1:02:33) SECTION A: RUSSIA AND UKRAINE

(1:44:50) SECTION B: TRADE WARS AND TARIFFS

(2:27:43) SECTION C: USAID

(3:03:26) SECTION D: US REALIGNMENT & NATO

SHOW IMAGE

Description: Rendering of Donald Trump handing Vladimir Putin the world while they stand at podiums with the American and Russian flags behind them.

Credit: “trump-putin-russia-usa-politics” by Lola4556677, Pixabay | License: Pixabay

Introducing Bhutan’s Radical Approach to Overtourism from Peak Travel.

Follow the show: Peak Travel

Many places allow tourists to visit with little restrictions. But Bhutan is different. Nestled in the Himalayas, this tiny, land-locked country has implemented a “high-value, low-impact” tourism model, including a fee that tourists have to pay each day that they visit. As more destinations grapple with the effects of overtourism, what can Bhutan teach us about how to manage it?   

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].