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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Full Show Notes | Transcript

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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.

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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].

Air Date 3/12/2025

The (Approximately) Monthly Mix is here to get you caught up on recent news without being overwhelming! This month we look at the future for Gaza, Trump's plans for mass deportations, the decline of the US on the international stage, the wrecking crew dismantling the federal government, RFK Jr. and the threat to public health, and Trump's endemic corruption.

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PART 1: ETHNIC CLEANSING AT HOME AND ABROAD

#1687 Respite: Ceasefire in Gaza and the Legacy of Imperial Folly in the Middle East

1: Gaza Ceasefire Explained Reading Between The Lines Part 2 - The Socialist Program - Air Date 1-16-25

2: On the Situation in Syria and its Implications for the Region - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 1-6-25

3: Egypt, Jordan Reject Trump Plan to Clean Out Gaza; Palestinians Return to N. Gaza in Historic Day - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-27-25

(25:13) #1693 Empowering Ethnostates: Ethnically cleansing Gaza and Trump's South Africa fixation

4: Trump's Insane Plan To Own Gaza - Pod Save the World - Air Date 2-12-25

5: West Bank Annexation Inevitable - The Majority Report - Air Date 2-6-25

6: Trump's South Africa Fixation - What Next - Air Date 2-12-25

(49:33) #1692 Ethnically Cleansing America

(1:16:02) #1688 International Decline: The Old Is Dying and the New Cannot Be Born

PART 2: TRUMP AND THE WRECKING CREW

(1:41:55) #1689 The Media and the Moguls

(2:02:34) #1691 Breaking the Government

(2:25:26) #1690 Oligarchy Unmasked- Why Billionaires Hate Democracy and How They're Dismantling It

(2:45:15) #1694 Unhealthy Discourse - RFK Jr. and the Anti-Science Movement Endangering Global Health

(3:02:31) #1695 Trump's Corruption As A Matter Of Course

Introducing ⁠Lewis Howes: The Scarcity Belief That’s Blocking You from Making Money & How to Feel Rich Even When You’re Broke from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

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Have you ever avoided looking at your finances?

If money were a person, how would you describe your relationship with it?

Today, Jay welcomes back his long time friend, Lewis Howes, a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and former professional athlete. He is the host of The School of Greatness podcast, one of the top-ranked business and self-development shows in the world, where he interviews some of the most influential leaders in business, wellness, and personal growth.

The conversation highlights key principles for transforming one's financial mindset, including the power of awareness, gratitude, and generosity. Jay and Lewis examine how early experiences with money influence current financial behaviors and emphasize the importance of developing a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity. By recognizing and reshaping these beliefs, financial opportunities can be approached with clarity and confidence.

Lewis emphasizes on the distinction between making money easy and chasing easy money. While many seek quick financial success, they explore the pitfalls of short-term thinking and the long-term benefits of building sustainable wealth through skill development, strategic planning, and emotional resilience. The concept of mapping out financial goals is introduced as a way to create structure and direction in money management.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Identify and Change Your Money Beliefs

How to Develop Awareness Around Your Financial Habits

How to Shift from a Scarcity Mindset to an Abundance Mindset

How to Invest in Yourself to Build Long-Term Financial Success

How to Create a Clear Financial Plan for Stability and Growth

How to Use Energy, Passion, and Curiosity as Valuable Currency

Financial freedom isn’t just about earning more—it’s about breaking free from limiting beliefs, embracing abundance, and making intentional choices that align with long-term success. 

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

01:06 Awareness Around Money and Finances

06:23 How to Get Out of Debt

09:44 How to Attract Financial Abundance

14:28 Rewire Your Brain to Earn More Money

16:22 The Mindset Habit to Unlock Abundance

20:11 Create an Opportunity to Showcase Your Value

27:08 3 Skills to Create Valuable Connection

33:41 Building a Foundation for Your Dream Career

35:44 Can You Manifest Money?

41:01 What’s Your Relationship with Money?

48:32 Generosity Attracts Abundance

53:10 Lessons from Quick and Easy Money

57:55 Invest in Your Self Growth

01:00:51 Money Cant Solve All Problems

Episode Resources:

Lewis Howes | Website

Lewis Howes | TikTok

Lewis Howes | Instagram 

Lewis Howes | Youtube

Lewis Howes | Facebook 

Lewis Howes | LinkedIn

Lewis Howes | X

Make Money Easy: Create Financial Freedom and Live a Richer Life

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: 3–9-25

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

- The Founding Fathers’ prophetic concerns that we don’t ever talk about

- FDR VP Harry Wallace’s op-ed on American fascism from 1944

- Philosopher Richard Rorty’s chilling predictions from 1998

- A few reasons - with caveats - why U.S. Democracy might make it through Trump 2.0

- Some hope and advice from a country that recently defeated their authoritarian regime

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REFERENCES:

Benjamin Franklin to the Federal Convention

The Other Fear of the Founders - The Atlantic

Vice President Henry A. Wallace on ‘The Danger of American Fascism’ in 1944 - Brewminate

An eerie prophecy of Trump’s second term - Vox

Three reasons why American democracy will likely withstand Trump - Vox

Poland just showed the world how democracy wins

Find your Indivisible group - or start one

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Introducing The People v. DOGE: Jamie Raskin’s Strategy to Combat the Musk & Trump Power Grab from Laura Flanders and Friends: New Economy, Democracy, Diversity, Solutions Journalism.

Follow the show: Laura Flanders and Friends: New Economy, Democracy, Diversity, Solutions Journalism

Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin outlines his strategy to hold the executive branch accountable and shares his concerns about Trump and Musk's actions in a candid conversation.

This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!

Description: Amidst a hail of executive orders, lay-offs, and threats, Americans are witnessing both early compliance by some of the most powerful institutions in the country, and early resistance, in the courts, in workplaces and in the streets. So where is Congress? In this extended one-on-one interview with Maryland Congressman, Jamie Raskin, the ranking member of the House judiciary committee, lays out his plans for exerting oversight of the executive branch, and describes the Constitutional limits Trump and Musk are running up against. Raskin served on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol back in 2021 and managed the second impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump. Drawing on history, and even the work of his father, political activist Marcus Raskin, Jamie Raskin says he’s “. . . ready to lead Democrats in our front-line defense of democracy and freedom." Plus, a commentary from Laura on art and courage.

Guest:  Jamie Raskin, Congressman Maryland’s 8th Congressional District; Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Oversight of the Executive Branch

Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel

Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon

Music In the Middle:  “Oh Lord” produced by Groove Junkies and Apex Prey, featuring Indeya & Reverend Murrell Garr courtesy of More House Records.  And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.

•. Corporate Prison Reform Will Not Keep Us Safe: A Report from Los Angeles: Watch / Listen- Podcast Episode

•. Black Journalists on Police Violence: Reporting from the Ground Up: Watch / Listen: Podcast Episode and Full Uncut Conversation  

•. Emergent Strategies for Abolition: Andrea J. Ritchie’s Toolkit for Activists: Watch / Listen- Podcast Episode

•. A Top Democrat Speaks Out on How the Party Will Fight Trump, by Eugene Daniels, February 15, 2025, Politico

• Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, Jamie Raskin's Opening Statement at Subcommittee Hearing on Trump's Lawless, Pro-Corruption Agenda for the Justice Department. February 25, 2025, Democrat House Committee on the Judiciary

•  Raskin:  ‘I’m with Steve Bannon and Laura Loomer’ and others saying ‘Watch Elon Musk’ by Ashleigh Fields, February 4, 2025, The Hill

•. Techno-Fascism Comes to America:  The historic parallels that help explain Elon Musk’s rampage on the federal government, by Kyle Chayka, Infinite Scroll Columnist, February 26, 2025, The New Yorker

•  Congressional Democrats denied entry to USAID building, by Andrew Solender, February 3, 2025, Axios

Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner. 

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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

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 3/7/2025

Corruption, for those who indulge, isn't just a perk of power, it can also be a method of maintaining it. Trump is not bothering to hide the corruption he's working to facilitate or how it's geared toward supporting his desire for unchecked power.

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Full Show Notes | Transcript

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KEY POINTS

KP 1: President Trump's Second Administration and Project 2025 - Trump's Terms - Air Date 2-11-25

KP 2: The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau was protecting you from corporate greed. It's gone now. - The Real News Network - Air Date 2-18-25

KP 3: The Gangster Presidency - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 2-15-25

KP 4: Trump's Theory of Power - Brennan Center for Justice - Air Date 2-5-25

KP 5: See Trump's blatant quid pro quo with Eric Adams play out live on Fox News - All In w Chris Hayes - Air Date 2-14-25

KP 6: The Billionaires Government Branko Marcetic on Trumps Complete Betrayal of His Base - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-27-25

KP 7: D.C. Gutted. Grassroots Galvanized. - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 2-22-25

KP 8: Elie Mystal On The Peoples Checks and Balances - Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast - Air Date 2-21-25

(56:17) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On the impact of corruption

DEEPER DIVES

(1:05:38) SECTION A: THE CABINET OF GREED

(1:48:28) SECTION B: QUID-PRO-QUO

(2:10:58) SECTION C: CORPORATE INTERESTS

(2:48:08) SECTION D: KING TRUMP

SHOW IMAGE

Description: A protestor holds up a sign that says “Stop The Billionaire Grift!”

Credit: “HANDS OFF THE CFPB RALLY at Consumer Financial Protection Bureau” by Elvert Barnes, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

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