Progressive Voices

This time on Code WACK!

Imagine being cut off from Mom - a nursing home resident - for months. You can't bring her favorite foods, or help dress her, hug her, or even hold her hand.

For thousands of families during the COVID-19 pandemic, this became a heartbreaking reality. And without new laws, advocates say, it could very well happen again.

That's why they are fighting to ensure our loved ones are never again separated from those they depend on most in nursing homes and other long-term care settings

Today we're speaking with Tony Chicotel, senior staff attorney with California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, or CANHR. For decades, Tony has fought to protect the rights of nursing home residents. And he says the isolation and neglect that families experienced during COVID was one of the most painful chapters of his career.

This is part two of a two-part series on the Essential Caregiver’s Act.

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.

'BradCast' 6/23/2026 (The Horses Races AND the Track Conditions; Why Trump endorsements matter; SCOTUS v. VRA Again) by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 6/23/2026 by Progressive Voices

Doommaxxing: How Fear Became a Billion-Dollar Business

AI is taking your job. The economy is collapsing. A new virus is around the corner. Democracy is ending. Or is it?

In this episode of The Karel Cast, we examine the rise of “Doommaxxing”—the business model of keeping people scared, anxious, and constantly engaged. From social media algorithms to cable news, from political campaigns to tech billionaires, fear has become one of the most profitable commodities on Earth.

Throughout history, powerful institutions have used fear to control attention. Today, smartphones and social media have made that process faster, more personal, and more profitable than ever before.

Who benefits when we’re constantly told disaster is just around the corner? Is AI really coming for everyone’s job? Are we being manipulated into living in a permanent state of crisis? And what does all of this mean for our mental health, our politics, and our future?

Plus:

• Trump’s latest claim about algae in the Reflecting Pool and why experts disagree.

• The FCC’s unprecedented challenge to Disney/ABC station licenses, including KGO-TV San Francisco.

• Why media freedom advocates are sounding the alarm.

Fear keeps us scrolling. Fear keeps us clicking. Fear keeps us watching.

But who profits?

The Karel Cast is supported by viewers like you. Please like, subscribe, and share.

Watch live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 AM Pacific.

Follow Karel:

YouTube: youtube.com/reallykarel

Website: reallykarel.com

#Doommaxxing, #FearEconomy, #MediaManipulation, #SocialMedia, #BigTech, #ArtificialIntelligence, #AI, #DonaldTrump, #Politics, #NewsAnalysis, #CurrentEvents, #FCC, #ABCNews, #KGO, #MediaFreedom, #Propaganda, #FearMarketing, #Psychology, #MentalHealth, #BreakingNews, #Economy, #TechNews, #Commentary, #PoliticalCommentary, #MediaLiteracy, #NewsMedia, #CultureWar, #IndependentMedia, #TheKarelCast, #ReallyKarel

https://youtube.com/live/DPE62hPNVSM

'BradCast' 6/22/2026: Scandals and Vandals, Memoranda and Referenda; Trump Reflecting Pool; U.S.-Iran negotiations; Billionaire tax in CA by Progressive Voices

Another Week, Another Trump Lie? Here’s What’s Actually Happening

Trump says one thing. Reality says another.

As a new week begins, some things have become remarkably predictable: more claims, more contradictions, more attacks, and more headlines surrounding Donald Trump.

On today’s Karel Cast, we look at three stories raising serious questions:

• The controversy surrounding the blue-painted Reflecting Pool and claims about vandalism.

• The continuing conflict involving Iran and questions about whether peace efforts have actually produced results.

• The ongoing debate over Air Force One, including the luxury aircraft provided by Qatar and the millions spent modifying it.

Whether you support Donald Trump or oppose him, one question remains: when statements from public officials conflict with documented facts, who should Americans believe?

We’ll separate rhetoric from reality and examine what the media, government records, and public statements actually show.

The Karel Cast is a progressive talk and entertainment show hosted by history-making broadcaster Karel, live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 AM Pacific.

Support the show:

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YouTube: youtube.com/reallykarel

Listen:

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker, and all major podcast platforms.

Follow Karel on TikTok, Instagram, and social media for daily content and live updates.

#Trump,#DonaldTrump,#Politics,#PoliticalNews,#BreakingNews,#CurrentEvents,#USPolitics,#WhiteHouse,#NewsAnalysis,#Commentary,#Liberal,#Progressive,#Democracy,#Government,#FactCheck,#Truth,#Media,#PoliticalCommentary,#WorldNews,#Iran,#MiddleEast,#AirForceOne,#JDVance,#AmericanPolitics,#NewsUpdate,#PoliticalDiscussion,#KarelCast,#YouTubePolitics,#TrendingNews,#Opinion

https://youtube.com/live/5bjCwoaJ6ws

'BradCast' 6/18/2026: 'Iran Wins': Trump Loyalists Rebuke Pathetic Iran 'Deal' by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 6/18/2026 by Progressive Voices

THIS GAY WEEK: Turkey Cracks Down, Japan Opens Up — LGBTQ Rights Head in Opposite Directions

THIS GAY WEEK | June 19, 2026

The fight for LGBTQ equality is taking dramatically different turns around the world.

This week, Karel and Scott Jacobsen of The Good Men Project join forces live from Kyiv, Ukraine, to break down the biggest LGBTQ news stories making headlines worldwide.

⚾ Pride Night controversy is exploding in professional baseball. After high-profile clashes involving Pride celebrations, some players are drawing attention by displaying Bible verses while teams struggle to balance inclusion, religion, and fan expectations. One team made headlines by choosing LGBTQ inclusion over competition, even forfeiting a game rather than abandoning Pride Night.

🌍 Turkey is moving sharply backward on LGBTQ rights, advancing harsh new laws that critics say could criminalize even discussing or acknowledging LGBTQ identities.

🇯🇵 Meanwhile, Japan is taking a very different path. The government has launched a nationwide effort to increase understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ people, raising questions about how societies learn to embrace diversity.

Plus: global LGBTQ headlines, culture, politics, and the stories impacting our community right now.

Join the conversation live and let us know where you think the world is heading.

👍 Please Like, Subscribe, and Share

🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Support independent media:

Patreon: patreon.com/reallykarel

Watch more:

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Listen everywhere:

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#ThisGayWeek, #LGBTQNews, #Pride, #LGBTQRights, #GayNews, #ThisGayWeek, #LGBTQ, #LGBTQNews, #GayNews, #Pride, #PrideMonth, #LGBTQRights, #Equality, #HumanRights, #Turkey, #Japan, #Kyiv, #Ukraine, #Baseball, #MLB, #PrideNight, #Gay, #Lesbian, #Bisexual, #Transgender, #Queer, #Politics, #WorldNews, #CurrentEvents, #Progressive, #CivilRights, #SocialJustice, #Karel, #ScottJacobsen, #TheGoodMenProject

https://youtu.be/IZ47RiK5EJ4

The Big One Is Coming: 1,000 Years of Pressure Building Beneath California by Progressive Voices