Progressive Voices

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 Mabinty Quarshie, White House Reporter for the Washington Examiner.

The two analyze President Trump's 36% approval rating in the new Gallup poll, which is the lowest of his term, and just two points shy of his lowest ever.

They also discuss Trump's handling of the press, and what his low approval rating could mean for Republicans in next year's midterm elections.

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

The two discuss the Washington Post report that Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, authorized a highly unusual strike to kill all survivors of one of the Trump administration’s attacks in recent months on boats allegedly carrying drugs in international waters.

Next, they talk about Senator Mark Kelly's message to military service members about their duty to the U.S. constitution to not follow unlawful orders.

Lastly, they discuss the prospects for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.

Mabinty Quarshie's handle on X is @MabintyQ.

Col. Cedric Leighton is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a strategic risk and leadership consultancy serving global companies and organizations. He founded the company in 2010, after serving in the US Air Force for 27 years as an Intelligence Officer and attaining the rank of Colonel. His website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @CedricLeighton. bsky.social. 

Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'

He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

'BradCast' 12/1/2025: Follow the Voting by Progressive Voices

💥 Pentagon Pete Accused of WAR CRIMES? | Karel Cast 25-159

Today’s show dives into a breaking and explosive question: Did Pentagon Pete commit a war crime after a strike that killed innocent civilians on a foreign ship? And even if he did… would Trump ever allow him to be prosecuted, or will loyalty override justice yet again?

Then we shift to something more personal:

The holidays are here, and while the decorations are up, something feels heavier this year. Is the season losing its joy because the world feels so dark right now? You’re not alone if you feel it.

Plus: Did you shop this weekend, or has consumerism lost its sparkle?

And in honor of World AIDS Day, the U.S. government will no longer commemorate it — a disturbing sign of the times. I also learned about Allen R. Schindler, Jr., a name every American should know. The truth is clear: the state of being gay in the USA is not in a good place.

Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel

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

The Karel Cast streams Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PST on all platforms: Apple Music, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Spreaker, TikTok, Instagram, and more.

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

#KarelCast, #WarCrimes, #PentagonPete, #WorldAIDSDay, #AllenRSchindler, #LGBTQNews, #GayRightsUSA, #HolidaySeason2024, #TrumpNews, #USPolitics, #GlobalNews, #BreakingNews, #AIDSHistory, #QueerVoices, #LasVegasLife, #PoliticalCommentary, #NewsAnalysis, #MediaCritique, #HumanRights, #CurrentEvents

https://youtube.com/live/vY8lhXewRLk

🔥 Thanksgiving Cooking Chaos + Shocking LGBTQ News You Need to Hear | Karel Cast 25-157

It’s Thanksgiving, so we’re starting in the Karel kitchen with a whirlwind “best of” cooking compilation from the past few years. From crisp classic Gimlets to Indian dishes, falafel, and more, Karel takes you through some of his funniest and most memorable cooking moments—including that shirtless scene he had to do after losing a bet. Come laugh, stir, sip, and celebrate the holiday.

Then we shift to the week’s global LGBTQ headlines with Canadian journalist Scott Jacobsen from The Good Men Project. This week’s stories are startling—from worldwide attacks on queer rights to reports that Trump tried to pressure countries to drop their DEI policies. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Happy Thanksgiving from Karel and Ember—wishing you joy, community, and good food.

✨ Support the show: patreon.com/reallykarel

📺 Watch, like, and subscribe: youtube.com/reallykarel

🎧 Listen everywhere: Apple Music, Spotify, iHeartMedia, Spreaker & more—live Monday–Thursday at 10:30 AM PST.

Catch visual clips daily on TikTok and Instagram.

Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer based in Las Vegas, always joined by his loyal service girl Ember.

#KarelCast, #Thanksgiving2025, #HolidayCooking, #KitchenChaos, #LGBTQNews, #GlobalLGBTQ, #ScottJacobsen, #GoodMenProject, #DEIDebate, #QueerRights, #LGBTQIssues, #CookingCompilation, #VeganCooking, #HolidayVibes, #PoliticalNews, #BreakingLGBTQ, #LasVegasCreator, #IndependentMedia, #ReallyKarel, #SupportCreators

https://youtube.com/live/G205jOCmCX0

This time on Code WACK!

Will Humana and UnitedHealth Group be found by the courts to have prematurely denied or cut off physician-ordered post-acute care for Medicare Advantage members using AI models with error rates as high as 90%? And could these same AI tools, which over 60% of doctors allege systematically deny patients necessary care, be used in Traditional Medicare as well? The answer is YES, depending on where you live.

To learn more, we spoke with Jeremy White, author of InHumana: An American Healthcare Story, published recently by White Lines Press. Jeremy and his wife, Edie, founded the award-winning satirical publication Red Shtick Magazine and its online version, The Red Shtick. They live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This is the second episode of a two-part series with Jeremy about his new book.

Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.

Leslie is joined by Roxanne Brown, President-Elect of the United Steelworkers. Currently serving as the Union's international Vice President, Brown will be sworn in to her new position on March 1, 2026. Following the USW's regular four-year nomination and election process that recently took place, Brown was elected to be the Union's new President!

During today's interview, Leslie and Roxanne discuss how working families have taken major hits to their rights and their pocketbooks in 2025, thanks to the Trump administration.

Before President Trump was elected, his advisors laid out a terrifying vision for the nation called, 'Project 2025.' And over the past year, working families have unfortunately borne the brunt of the administration rapidly enacting these policies. On top of this, the administration has failed to rein in – and in many ways added to – costs for necessities like groceries, energy and health care.

Roxanne details how these attacks have hit bargaining rights for workers, veterans' benefits, workplace safety, healthcare and more.

Taken together, we’re seeing an economy in which the rich get a whole lot richer, while everyone else is lucky to scrape by, just as Trump planned.

Follow the USW on Facebook, Instagram and X, using the handle @steelworkers, and visit their website at USW.org. Also, check them out on Blue Sky where their handle is @steelworkers.bsky.social.

Roxanne's handle on X is @BrownRox.

🔥 Your Food Is Killing Kids? The Explosive Truth Behind U.S. Food Production | Karel Cast 25-157

It’s the day before Thanksgiving, but before you start cooking… you need to hear this.

A shocking Los Angeles Times investigation reveals that many everyday American food products are chosen or handled by teenagers exposed to harmful chemicals—and you won’t believe what they’re paid for it. If you think you know where your food comes from, think again.

Then—should the U.S. adopt a sugar tax like the U.K.? With obesity-related illnesses costing billions every year, maybe it’s time to rethink how our food system works.

Plus: Are you drinking enough water? The average American absolutely isn’t—and when you hear what “enough” really means, you might rethink your daily routine.

Join Karel for a sharp, real-talk breakdown of health, policy, food safety, and the hidden systems shaping your life every single day.

✨ Support the show: patreon.com/reallykarel

📺 Watch, like, and subscribe: youtube.com/reallykarel

🎧 Listen everywhere: Apple Music, iHeart Media, Spotify, Spreaker, and more—live Monday–Thursday at 10:30 AM PST.

Catch visual clips daily on TikTok and Instagram.

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

#FoodSafety, #ThanksgivingPrep, #ChildLaborCrisis, #ChemicalExposure, #SugarTaxDebate, #PublicHealth, #ObesityEpidemic, #AmericanFoodSystem, #WaterIntake, #HydrationFacts, #KarelCast, #FoodNews, #ConsumerAwareness, #USFoodPolicy, #HealthCosts, #WellnessTalk, #NutritionNews, #LA TimesReport, #SupportIndependentMedia, #ReallyKarel

https://youtube.com/live/xojd_BzombY

🔟 Fears Gen Y & Z Don’t Understand (But Gen X & Boomers Live With Daily) | Karel Cast 25-156

Generational battles are louder than ever, with Gen Y and Z openly dragging Gen X and Boomers — but there’s one big truth no one wants to admit: Older generations know what it’s like to be young, but younger generations have no idea what it’s like to age.

Today, we break down 10 major fears that Boomers and Gen X carry with them every day — fears younger generations don’t even think about. From financial instability to health crises to the collapse of social safety nets, these anxieties are real, growing, and shaping the way older Americans live.

Plus:

• After weeks of wall-to-wall Epstein coverage and Congress voting to release the files… where are they?

• It’s screener season: here are the movies worth watching over Thanksgiving weekend.

• And the most appalling story of the week: 15-year-olds picking America’s food, exposed to toxic chemicals, underpaid, and living in fear — a horrifying report from the LA Times.

Support The Karel Cast at patreon.com/reallykarel

Watch, like & subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel

New episodes Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PST on all streaming platforms.

Karel broadcasts from Las Vegas with his service dog Ember.

#KarelCast, #GenX, #Boomers, #GenZ, #GenerationalDivide, #EpsteinFiles, #ThanksgivingMovies, #MovieReviews, #LaborRights, #ChildLabor, #CurrentEvents, #NewsCommentary, #USPolitics, #SocialIssues, #AgingInAmerica, #BoomerLife, #GenXLife, #ProgressiveMedia, #TalkShow, #LasVegas

https://youtube.com/live/MCeGDsq60e4

🔻 MAGA Meltdown: Chaos, Hypocrisy & the Real “Wicked” Message | Karel Cast

MAGA is having a full-on identity crisis — and today’s episode breaks down the bizarre contradictions.

First, Marjorie Taylor Greene announces she’s leaving Congress, apologizes for “being crazy,” and claims she won’t be Trump’s battered spouse anymore. Then Donald Trump suddenly cozies up to Zohran Mamdani — the same man he called a communist who would destroy New York. The flip-flop is wild.

Meanwhile, “America First” seems to mean everywhere but America as prices keep rising, health care becomes unaffordable, and MAGA leadership looks the other way.

Plus: “Wicked” is crushing the box office, but are audiences missing the real message? The film mirrors our own politics — a powerless man behind the curtain, silencing critics and vilifying anyone who challenges the narrative.

And it’s #PetPeeveMonday: Welcome to the era of professional ghosting. No one answers emails anymore until they need something — why has communication collapsed?

Support The Karel Cast at patreon.com/reallykarel

Watch, like & subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel

New episodes Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PST on all major streaming platforms.

Karel broadcasts from Las Vegas with his service dog Ember.

#MAGA, #TrumpNews, #MarjorieTaylorGreene, #PoliticsToday, #Election2025, #AmericanPolitics, #KarelCast, #WickedMovie, #BoxOffice, #PoliticalHypocrisy, #NewsAnalysis, #USPolitics, #ProgressiveMedia, #LiberalCommentary, #CurrentEvents, #PoliticalTalkShow, #Ghosting, #PetPeeveMonday, #LasVegas, #EmberTheDog

https://youtube.com/live/XTY3A2nlsCs

Green News Report 11/20/2025 by Progressive Voices