Introducing Bernie Sanders & AOC: “Fighting Oligarchy” with People Power (Special Report) from Laura Flanders and Friends: Democracy, Labor, Economy, Culture, Investigative Journalism.

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Bernie Sanders Calls for a Democratic Revolution: Explore Insights from His Exclusive Vegas Interview with Laura Flanders on his Fighting Oligarchy tour—Why This Message Resonates with Activists Across America.

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Description:  Can the Democratic party reinvent itself? In this exclusive one-on-one interview with Bernie Sanders, recorded during the Senator’s “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, he sits down with Laura Flanders in Las Vegas to discuss what he hopes people will take away from his rallies, and how we can all push back against oligarchy. Sanders’ message is especially resonating with Americans in this moment, as record-breaking crowds turn out for his tour — with many first-time activists in the audience. What is driving this phenomenon? Laura Flanders & Friends hit the road to find out, and traveled from Kenosha to Warren and Las Vegas. Along the tour, Flanders spoke with veterans, retirees and many concerned citizens. She also caught speeches from Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, and sat in on a town hall meeting with Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus. Will 2025 turn out to be the year that Americans remake democracy?

Guests:

• Jacqueline Davania-Williamson: Resident, Las Vegas, Nevada

• Terrence Deuel: Veteran, U.S. Army

• Thomas Dyer & Pam West: Retirees

• Dr. Abdul El-Sayed: Health Director, Wayne County, Michigan

• Shawn Fain: President, United Auto Workers (UAW)

• Danielle & Jordan Lovik: Residents, Salt Lake City, Utah 

• Sandra & Raymond Martinez: Applicant & Social Security Recipient

• Donavan McKinney: U.S. Representative (MI-11)

• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: U.S. Representative (NY-14)

• Bernie Sanders: U.S. Senator (VT); Fighting Oligarchy Tour

• Dina Titus: U.S. Representative (NV-1)

Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country 

Subscribe to episode notes via Patreon

Music Credit:  “Live For You" by Thee Sacred Souls from their album Got a Story to Tell courtesy of Daptone Records..  "Steppin", "All The Ways" & "Electric Car" by Podington Bear. And original sound production and design by Jeannie Hopper.

*Recommended book:

“It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism” by Bernie Sanders, *Get the Book

(*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)

Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:

•  The People v. DOGE: Jamie Raskin’s Strategy to Combat the Musk & Trump Power Grab: Watch  / Download the Podcast:  Episode and Full Conversation

• AOC & Noam Chomsky: The Way Forward: Watch / Download the Podcast:  Episode and Full Conversation

• Barbara Lee & Lateefah Simon: The Trailblazing Congresswomen of CA’s 12th District: Watch / Download the Podcast: Episode and Full Conversation

Related Articles and Resources:

•. As Thousands Attend His ‘Stop Oligarchy Tour’ Rallies, Bernie Sanders Becomes a Face of the anti-Trump Resistance, by Steve Peoples, Associated Press

•. Bernie Sanders Has Been Warning About Oligarchy for Years. People Are Finally Listening.  By Tim Murphy, March 25, 2025, Mother Jones

•. Bernie Sanders rallies in Kenosha, calls for action against billionaire influence, by Heather Asiyanbi, March 8th, 2025, Racine County Eye

Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Gina Kim, 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 5/2/2025

We're taking the passing of Pope Francis as an opportunity to explore the deeper political implications of the extremist, rightward turn for some in the Catholic Church, including many recent converts.

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Full Show Notes | Transcript

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KEY POINTS

KP 1: Why Pope Francis successor could have great influence on U.S. politics - MSNBC Reports - Air Date 4-23-25

KP 2: Trump Purges Military Leaders And Angela Denker On The Radicalization Of White Men - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 2-25-25

KP 3: The Meaning of Pope Francis - Know Your Enemy - Air Date 4-25-25

KP 4: Weekly Roundup The Pope, JD Vance, and Anti-Christian Bias - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 4-25-25

KP 5: Opus Dei A Catholic Cult with Gareth Gore - Free Thought Matters - Air Date 2-20-25

KP 6: To Understand JD Vance, You Need to Meet the TheoBros - Mother Jones - Air Date 10-2-24

KP 7: The Radical Catholic Right from Paul Weyrich to JD Vance Part 1 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 9-23-24

(53:23) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On the benefits of democracy

DEEPER DIVES

(1:04:00) SECTION A: THE POPE

(1:22:49) SECTION B: IN POLICY

(1:43:34) SECTION C: POST-LIBERAL CATHOLICS

(2:17:50) SECTION D: MEN

SHOW IMAGE CREDITS 

Description: Composite image. Showing a disgruntled looking JD Vance looking toward an image of Pope Francis smiling while blessing a child in a crowd. A quote in a box says “What is built on the basis of force, and not on the truth about the equal dignity of every human being, begins badly, and will end badly.”

Credit: Design by A. Hoffman | Components: “JD Vance” Gage Skidmore, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, used in composite |  “Blessing of children pope” by ansehen, Pixabay | License: Pixabay

Produced by Jay!

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Introducing Live from SXSW - The Future of Scientific Communications Through Podcasting from Science Will Win.

Follow the show: Science Will Win

Podcasting has become essential for communicating breakthroughs in science, offering an accessible and engaging platform to reach diverse audiences. This evolving medium fosters deeper connections by delivering trusted information in accessible and compelling ways. In this conversation, audio makers from Pfizer, Acast, and TED, discuss what it takes to stand out in the science podcast space, insights on strategy, and how they're working to shape the future of health communication.

Moderator
• Aaron Strout, Former CMO of Real Chemistry and Health Podcaster

Speakers
• Erica Santiago, Executive/Digital Communications & Podcast Strategy, Pfizer
• Veronika Taylor, SVP of Acast’s Creator Network
• Shoshana Ungerleider MD, Host and Producer of TED Health Podcast

This episode was recorded live in Austin, TX on Monday, March 10, as part of Pfizer’s takeover of the South by Southwest podcasting lounge.

Please fill out our short survey so we can get to know our listeners better: pfizer.com/podcastsurvey

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 4/29/2025

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 [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: The Lost History of Trump's Tariff War Part 1 - Lever Time - Air Date 4-4-25

KP 2: What we can learn from a past tariff tiff - Make Me Smart - Air Date 2-11-25

KP 3: Who Got Rich? The Trump Tariffs, Explained by MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle - PABLO TORRE FINDS OUT- Air Date 4-11-25

KP 4: From “Liberation Day” to Chaos: Trump Pauses Most Tariffs While Escalating Trade War with China - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-10-25

KP 5: Is Trump (Already) Giving Up On Tariffs? - TLDR News - Air Date 4-25-25

KP 6: The tariffs are just stupid. - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 4-18-25

(00:48:40) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On the related topics of masculinity and labor

DEEPER DIVES

(00:53:39) SECTION A: MOTIVATION

(01:17:08) SECTION B: DOMESTIC EFFECT

(01:57:28) SECTION C: INTERNATIONAL EFFECT

(02:43:36) SECTION D: HISTORY

Tariffied: Exposing Trump's Artless Deal

Description: Composite image. An illustrated outline of Trump’s bust, including hair and suit and tie, with overlapping tariff stamps where the eyes and nose should be, and a wide open mouth with a globe between his teeth.

Credit: Design by A. Hoffman | Components License: Pixabay

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

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Introducing Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson: Break the Generational Patterns Holding You Back (How to Build Confidence, Responsibility, and Emotional Resilience) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Can you remember the first time you felt truly in charge of your own decisions?

What’s one thing you picked up from your family that you wish you could unlearn?

In this heartfelt episode, Jay Shetty sits down with former First Lady Michelle Obama and her brother, coach and mentor Craig Robinson, for an intimate conversation centered around family, resilience, and the lasting impact of love and connection.

Michelle and Craig reminisce about the powerful values instilled by their parents, a deep sense of independence and unwavering family loyalty. Even through financial struggles, their parents cultivated a home filled with trust and safety, making it clear that family would always be a source of strength. Memories of birthdays around the kitchen table, houses bustling with extended relatives, and the steady presence of grandparents and cousins all contributed to a lifelong sense of belonging and support that continues to influence their lives.

As they journeyed into adulthood, both Michelle and Craig relied on therapy, genuine friendships, and a strong community to help them face life’s transitions, grief, and the many complexities of growing up. Michelle shares how seeking guidance and embracing self-reflection, especially during moments of change, has been central to her personal growth, demonstrating the value of openness, adaptability, and continuous learning throughout every stage of life.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Foster Family Unity During Tough Times

How to Nurture Independence in Children

How to Unlearn Limiting Beliefs from Your Upbringing

How to Create Safe Spaces for Honest Conversations

How to Teach Empathy Through Parenting

How to Balance Protection and Freedom as a Parent

How to Normalize Therapy and Emotional Support

Their conversation is a moving testament to the impact of compassion, authenticity, and purposeful living, a reminder that life’s greatest challenges can be met with empathy, courage, and hope.

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

02:00 The Kind of Love Only Siblings Understand

04:15 What was the First Secret You Shared With Each Other?

09:53 Raised To Be Independent Children In A Loving Community

14:55 How Different Generations Celebrate Birthdays

17:00 How to Unlearn Your Inner Fears

19:47 The Fear Of What Could Happen Can Hinder Personal Growth

25:28 What a Childhood Encounter with Police Taught Me About Bias

29:35 Being Judged By The Color Of Your Skin

31:54 Racism Is Still An Issue

34:07 How to Raise Resilient Children

35:59 Don't Make Assumptions Based On Your Emotions

38:17 Don't Let Negative Thoughts Dictate Your Actions

40:48 The Power Of Good Parenting

48:41 How To Prioritize Being A Parent While Chasing Your Dreams

52:08 Parents Aren't Responsible For Their Children's Happiness

58:07 Focus On Cultivating Independence in Your Children

01:02:24 What Is Your Form Of Therapy?

01:11:08 Are You Doing Enough?

01:16:10 How To Become A Good Parent

01:37 What Would Your Mother Be Most Proud Of?

Episode Resources:

Michelle Obama | Instagram

Michelle Obama | Facebook

Michelle Obama | YouTube

Michelle Obama | Books

Obama Foundation 

The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times

Craig Robinson | Instagram 

Craig Robinson | X

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson

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: 4-28-25

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

- Why the “manly” manufacturing jobs Trump and MAGA want are never coming back

- Why incels love Trump’s tariffs

- The sad flails of the “Make America Manly Again” movement

- The “Sigma grindset” guys’ obsession with - and complete misunderstanding of - disturbing fictional movie characters

- Cliffhanger! Jay explains our upcoming schedule

- SOLVED! SONG! “Blinded” (Directly inspired by this episode!)

FOLLOW US ON:

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YouTube

REFERENCES:

Manufacturing jobs are never coming back - Vox

The strange link between Trump’s tariffs and incel ideology - Vox

Trump’s Tariff Pause Sets Back the “Make Men Manly Again” Movement - The Nation

Sigma grindset: TikTok's toxic worshipping of Patrick Bateman is another sign young men are lost - GQ

SOLVED! SONG! “Blinded” - Concepts: Human Intelligence. Song: Artificial Intelligence. Based on SOLVED! Ep. #8: “Part 1: Drowning Men Will Clutch at Straws: Masculinity in a MAGA world” (April 26th)

TAKE ACTION:

May Day nationwide action - May 1st

Find your Indivisible group - or start one

Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121

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Produced by:

Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

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Introducing RFK’s September Surprise from America Dissected.

Follow the show: America Dissected

Abdul and Katelyn cover this week’s health news, which includes:

Then Abdul sits down with Dr. Zachary Rubin to talk about allergy season and the many questions we have about antihistamines, peanuts and pollen!

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: The foundation advances policy, builds partnerships, and strengthens systems to give everyone the opportunity to achieve their best possible health. To learn more, visit debeaumont.org. 

Boll & Branch: Get 15% off, plus free shipping on your first set of sheets, at BollandBranch.com/AD.

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 4/26/2025

For those of us who knew that Trump was lawless and deeply racist in his desire for mass deportations of brown people, we're getting exactly what we expected. For others, at least the lawlessness is coming as a bit of a surprise, and yet, here we are.

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: Mr. Abrego Garcia - Main Justice - Air Date 4-15-25

KP 2: Dara Lind on Criminalizing Immigrants - CounterSpin - Air Date 4-11-25

KP 3: Are Trump Administration Officials in Criminal Contempt - Strict Scrutiny - Air Date 4-21-25

KP 4: Bukele Goes To Washington w. Roberto Lovato - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-20-25

KP 5: What a photojournalist saw as Venezuelan migrants arrived in El Salvador - 60 Minutes - Air Date 4-6-25

KP 6: Dictator Behind Trump's Notorious El Salvadorian Prison Deportations Wants U.S. Dissents Locked Up - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 4-16-24

KP 7: Trump's Real Plan With El Salvador Revealed - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 4-15-25

KP 8: Sen. Van Hollen on Meeting Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador & Escalating Constitutional Crisis - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-21-25

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On finding glimmers of hope for the future

DEEPER DIVES

SECTION A: DEPORTATION PRACTICES

SECTION B: VICTIMS OF REGIME

SECTION C: VENEZUELA AND EL SALVADOR

SECTION D: RESISTANCE

SHOW IMAGE

Description: Composite image. An illustration of ghost-like man, woman, and child walking into a dark, complex maze with the I.C.E. logo and Trump’s mug shot at the entrance.

Credit: Design by A. Hoffman | Components License: Pixabay

Produced by Jay!

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Introducing Live from SXSW - Outdoing Cancer Is A Team Sport from Science Will Win.

Follow the show: Science Will Win

While cancer deaths in the United States have declined in recent years, some populations are being left behind—facing complicated challenges to accessing the care they need. Intervening at the earliest stages of disease onset is critical to cancer treatment success and to reducing the risk of recurrence. So how do we create a world where all people with cancer are quickly diagnosed and can live better, longer lives as science advances? In this conversation, patient advocates and healthcare leaders from Pfizer, the American Cancer Society, and the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, discuss the power of collaboration in the effort to “Outdo Cancer.”

Moderator
• Tyrone McClain, Senior Director, Public Affairs, Pfizer
Speakers
• Carmen White, U.S. & Global Oncology Health Equity Lead, Pfizer
• Pam Traxel, American Cancer Society, Cancer Action Network
• Mary Stutts, CEO, Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA)

This episode was recorded live in Austin, TX on Monday, March 10, as part of Pfizer’s takeover of the South by Southwest podcasting lounge.

Please fill out our short survey so we can get to know our listeners better: pfizer.com/podcastsurvey

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 4/22/2025

George W. Bush proposed privatizing Social Security and didn't succeed. But, as with appointing Justices that would eventually overturn Roe V. Wade, groundwork was being laid as part of a multi-decade effort that would, they hoped, pay off in the future. So don't be surprised when they come for your earned benefits programs just as they came for the fundamental right to bodily autonomy.

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

KP 1: What few people know about the program that saved America - Meg Jacobs - TED-Ed - Air Date 6-17-21

KP 2: Trump is coming for Social Security. And he has a new 'Big Lie' to justify it. - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 5-5-25

KP 3: What DOGE could mean for Medicare and Medicaid? - Consider This - Air Date 2-10-25

KP 4: Food banks feel the pain from higher prices and cuts to government programs - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 4-10-25

KP 5: Important HHS services _will grind to a halt_ with cuts, former Secretary Sebelius says - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 4-2-25

KP 6: Trumps Butchering Social Security to Feed His Starving Billionaires w/ Alex Lawson - The Hartmann Report - Air Date 3-12-25

KP 7: 'The federal workforce feels tormented': Federal employees on the consequences of losing their jobs Part 1 - On Point - Air Date 4-1-25

KP 8: INTERVIEW: Tim Faust on Defending Medicaid - The Worst of All Possible Worlds Part 1 - Air Date 3-31-25

(00:51:58) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On the false moral arguments for cutting social safety nets

DEEPER DIVES

(01:02:18) SECTION A: SOCIAL SECURITY

(01:51:24) SECTION B: GENERAL CUTS

(02:34:52) SECTION C: MEDICAID & HHS

SHOW IMAGE

Description: Photo of a homemade protest sign that says “Hands Off My Social Security” from the Hands Off nationwide rallies.

Credit: Private permission photo

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