Progressive Voices

This time on Code WACK!

America's healthcare system doesn't only hurt us in big ways - like forcing us to choose between getting expensive medical treatments or living sick. Or having to choose the ‘least worst,’ but always very expensive health insurance policy. It also hurts us in small ways, forcing us to compromise to save a few bucks, to make a thousand little choices that can cost us our quality of life.

As we approach the 4th of July, we’re talking with Dr. Ana Malinow, a retired

pediatrician. She’s helping lead a campaign for a new Declaration of Independence … from the ‘US Medical-Industrial Complex.’ Dr. Malinow spent three decades working as a pediatrician with immigrant refugees and underserved children. She's past president of Physicians for a National Health Program and is currently on the steering committee of National Single Payer. This is part one of a two-part episode.

Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

America’s Cost-of-Living Crisis: Even $100K Isn’t Enough Anymore

The math of America no longer works — not even for people making six figures.

A new New York Times survey confirms what I’ve been saying for a long time: Americans are being crushed by rising prices, stagnant pay, grocery bills, housing costs, and the daily stress of simply trying to survive. If people making over $100,000 are feeling squeezed, what does that mean for everyone making less?

According to the survey, Americans say rising prices — not just low wages — are the biggest reason they feel financially trapped. Two-thirds say they are struggling and need immediate relief. The number one pressure point? Groceries. Food costs were named the biggest financial burden by 35% of Americans, far ahead of housing.

So what’s the answer in today’s America? Make more money — or suffer.

On this episode of The Karel Cast, Karel breaks down the brutal math of modern American life, why even the well-off feel poor, and why the cost-of-living crisis is becoming impossible to ignore.

Support The Karel Cast at patreon.com/reallykarel

Watch, like, and subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel

The Karel Cast streams Monday through Thursday at 10:30 AM Pacific and is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer based in Las Vegas with his service dog, Ember.

#CostOfLiving, #Inflation, #GroceryPrices, #MiddleClass, #AmericanEconomy, #EconomicCrisis, #SixFigures, #MoneyProblems, #WorkingAmericans, #FoodPrices, #HousingCosts, #PaycheckToPaycheck, #PersonalFinance, #EconomyNews, #NYTimes, #AmericanDream, #FinancialStress, #Wages, #RisingPrices, #KarelCast, #TheKarelShow, #ProgressiveTalk, #CurrentEvents, #PoliticalCommentary, #LasVegasPodcast, #PodcastLife, #YouTubePodcast, #IncomeInequality, #MiddleClassCrisis, #America2026

https://youtube.com/live/KFVnQKDA9s0

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. 

Brad is first joined by CNN Military Analyst, Col. Cedric Leighton (USAF-Ret.).

The pair analyzes whether Trump's peace deal with Iran is already falling apart before the 60-day negotiation process has even been fulfilled.

Brad also asks Cedric whether the Strait of Hormuz is actually still open for commercial shipping vessels.

Additionally, they discuss the latest news on the war between Russia and Ukraine, and whether there is pressure building to remove Putin from power internally.

Then, Tara Devlin, host of the 'TARABUSTER' podcast, joins Brad to discuss the bigger meaning of the sparse crowds at the Trump organized 'Great American Fair.'

Col. Leighton's website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @cedricleighton.bsky.social.

Tara Devlin is host of the progressive podcast 'TARABUSTER,' which can be found at www.tarabuster.com. Her handle on BlueSky is @tarabuster.bsky.social.

Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'

You can read his new Substack called, 'The Bannon Ballot Blast,' at www.bradbannon.substack.com.

His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

America at 250: Is the American Dream Falling Apart?

America turns 250 this week—but is there really anything to celebrate?

As the United States reaches its 250th birthday, the nation finds itself more divided than many Americans can remember. Political battles dominate Washington, global conflicts continue to create economic uncertainty, homeownership remains out of reach for millions, and many people wonder whether democracy itself is under unprecedented strain.

While official celebrations take place in Washington, many Americans are asking a different question: Who is this celebration really for?

At the same time, Pride Month closes amid heightened political tension, growing cultural conflict, and renewed debates over LGBTQ rights across the country.

Meanwhile, extreme heat is becoming a deadly reality around the world, with Europe experiencing record-breaking temperatures and heat-related deaths, raising even more questions about the future we are building.

At 250 years old, America stands at a crossroads. Can the country find common purpose again, or is division becoming its defining feature?

Join Karel as he examines the biggest stories shaping America today and asks the difficult questions many politicians refuse to answer.

Support The Karel Cast: Patreon.com/ReallyKarel

📺 Watch live Monday–Thursday at 10:30 AM Pacific on YouTube.

🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Spreaker.

#America250, #FourthOfJuly, #Politics, #USPolitics, #CurrentEvents, #News, #Democracy, #Congress, #WhiteHouse, #Iran, #OilPrices, #Economy, #Inflation, #Pride, #LGBTQ, #ClimateChange, #ExtremeHeat, #BreakingNews, #PoliticalCommentary, #Opinion, #TheKarelCast, #Karel, #YouTubeNews, #IndependentMedia, #Trending, #NewsAnalysis, #America, #Freedom, #Constitution, #Podcast

https://youtube.com/live/WD0UlGGSDOk

Green News Report 6/25/2026 by Progressive Voices

THIS GAY WEEK: One-Third of the World’s Nations Still Target LGBTQ People

THIS GAY WEEK: One-Third of the World’s Nations Still Target LGBTQ People

How bad is it for LGBTQ people around the world? The latest reports paint a troubling picture: nearly one-third of the world’s countries continue to criminalize, persecute, or openly discriminate against LGBTQ people. Why is progress accelerating in some places while moving backward in others?

This week, Scott Jacobsen of The Good Men Project joins Karel from Ukraine to break down the biggest LGBTQ stories from around the globe.

🌈 This week:

• New research reveals the alarming global state of LGBTQ rights.

• Germany has everyone talking about… gay sheep and rainbow wool.

• Pride celebrations bring hope from North Macedonia and Bosnia.

• Scott reports directly from Ukraine with two inspiring stories of resilience and progress.

• Plus, the biggest LGBTQ headlines you need to know from around the world.

If you care about equality, human rights, and staying informed on the issues affecting LGBTQ communities worldwide, this is the show you don’t want to miss.

👍 Please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help independent LGBTQ voices reach more people.

Support The Karel Cast:

Patreon: https://patreon.com/reallykarel

📺 Watch LIVE Monday through Thursday at 10:30 AM Pacific:

https://youtube.com/reallykarel

🎧 Listen everywhere you get podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Spreaker.

Karel is a history-making broadcaster, entertainer, and longtime LGBTQ advocate broadcasting from Las Vegas with his service dog, Ember.

'BradCast' 6/25/2026 ('So Stupid it Makes Your Head Explode'; Guests: Heather Digby Parton and 'Driftglass') by Progressive Voices

Trump’s Petty Politics? Why No One Stops Him | The Karel Cast

Is the presidency becoming more about personal grudges than public service?

Today, Karel examines a week of escalating political drama as Donald Trump reportedly lashes out at members of his own party, refuses to support housing legislation, and makes claims without publicly presented evidence. Is this simply politics as usual—or something more concerning?

Why would a president oppose a bill designed to help Americans buy homes? Why attack members of his own party for exercising congressional oversight? And why do so many elected officials continue to tolerate behavior that would end most political careers?

Karel explores the power, politics, and personality behind the headlines—and explains why he believes so many people continue to look the other way.

Plus:

• The latest health headlines

• Entertainment news to kick off your weekend

• Commentary you won’t hear anywhere else

👍 If you enjoy independent progressive commentary, please Like, Subscribe, and Share.

Support independent broadcasting:

Patreon: https://patreon.com/reallykarel

📺 Watch live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 AM Pacific on YouTube:

https://youtube.com/reallykarel

🎧 Listen everywhere you get podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Spreaker.

Karel is a history-making broadcaster, entertainer, and longtime LGBTQ+ voice broadcasting from Las Vegas alongside his service dog, Ember.

#Trump,#DonaldTrump,#Politics,#PoliticalNews,#BreakingNews,#NewsCommentary,#CurrentEvents,#Congress,#Housing,#HousingCrisis,#AffordableHousing,#Government,#WhiteHouse,#Democracy,#PoliticalAnalysis,#Liberal,#Progressive,#Opinion,#News,#YouTubeNews,#Karel,#TheKarelCast,#LiveNews,#Commentary,#HealthNews,#EntertainmentNews,#PoliticalCommentary,#IndependentMedia,#NewsPodcast,#Trending

https://youtube.com/live/-1hlwQF1H4I

'BradCast' 6/24/2026 (Stop Trump's Project 2025 Scheme to Kill US Science Research) by Progressive Voices

Toy Story 5 Accidentally Exposes Society’s Biggest Problem

THE GREAT DISCONNECT: ARE PHONES DESTROYING HUMAN CONNECTION?

Toy Story 5 may be breaking box office records, but beneath the animation is a message that hits much closer to home. The film explores a battle between analog toys and digital devices, raising a question that affects all of us: Have we traded real human connection for screens?

Today, we dive into what may be the biggest challenge facing modern society. Despite being more connected digitally than at any point in history, people are feeling more isolated, disconnected, and lonely than ever before.

From endless scrolling and short-form content to online relationships that only feel real, we’re losing something essential. We’re becoming disconnected from nature, from beauty, from community, and from one another. Even the colors and experiences of the real world seem to be fading behind glowing screens.

Can we get our humanity back? Can we reconnect with each other in a meaningful way? The answer may be yes—but many of us won’t like what it requires.

Also today:

• A fence goes up around Trump’s troubled reflecting pool project

• The Senate finally pushes back against an unjust and illegal war with Iran

• Why accountability still matters in American democracy

Join Karel for a thought-provoking conversation about technology, loneliness, politics, and what it means to be human in a digital age.

Support the show:

Patreon: ReallyKarel

Subscribe:

YouTube: youtube.com/reallykarel

The Karel Cast streams live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 AM Pacific and is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker, and all major podcast platforms.

#HumanConnection, #Loneliness, #Technology, #ToyStory5, #DigitalAge, #SocialMedia, #ScreenTime, #MentalHealth, #Isolation, #Community, #Humanity, #Culture, #ModernLife, #Relationships, #Connection, #CurrentEvents, #Politics, #Trump, #Iran, #Senate, #NewsCommentary, #ProgressiveVoices, #YouTubePodcast, #PodcastLife, #Karel, #TheKarelCast, #Society, #LifeIn2026, #Discussion, #NewsAnalysis

https://youtube.com/live/wkCR7B2yW48