The Left Hook

The Left Hook

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The Left Hook episodes

  • The Left Hook - Movin' On
    In this episode of Left Hook with Mark Bland, host Mark Bland tackles a range of provocative topics solo, marking his first time without a co-host in over a decade. Broadcasting on CBS affiliates like KRLL and WIBH, and online at markbland.net, Bland dives into the controversial Charlie Kirk memorial in Glendale, Arizona, where 90,000 MAGA attendees left behind mountains of trash, drawing criticism for its disorganized and disrespectful aftermath. Bland critiques the event's bizarre tone, likening it to a Christian nationalist rally, with Donald Trump's appearance and odd behavior, including a theatrical hug, adding to the spectacle. He also discusses Jimmy Kimmel's brief suspension by ABC, influenced by Trump's pressure, highlighting tensions over free speech. Bland reflects on Trump's chaotic UN speech, where he insulted global leaders, contradicted his own policies, and embarrassed the U.S. on the world stage. The episode wraps with lighthearted "life hacks" like using frozen towels or Cheez-Its in soup. Bland's sharp commentary blends politics and pop culture, urging listeners to engage critically. Catch the full episode at markbland.net.
    45 min
  • The Left hook - 5 - Freedom of Speech in yo Face

    On this episode host Mark Bland and political pundit Glenn Kage (cah-gee) explore America's turbulent political landscape. They condemn the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk while criticizing the politicization of his death, particularly the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show over controversial remarks, raising alarms about free speech under Trump's administration. Glenn, drawing on his extensive union background, critiques Missouri's legislators for overturning voter-approved measures like paid sick leave. The episode highlights concerns over political loyalty trumping qualifications, the internet's indelible record of actions, and the need for centrism amid polarized politics, urging reflection before the 2026 midterms. Listen to every single Saturday 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM CST on WIBH 102.5/ KRLL 104.1 or online at wibhradio.com

    45 min
  • The Left hook - Somber

    In this gripping episode of *The Left Hook*, host Mark Bland and guest Matt Krueger dive into the shocking September 2025 assassination of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder, gunned down during a Utah Valley University debate. Exploring Kirk's complex legacy as a fierce free speech and Second Amendment advocate, they unpack the biting irony of his death by firearm—living, as the summary quips, "what he preached." The episode tackles the nation's polarized reactions, from conservative vigils and vengeful backlash (think firings and visa threats) to liberal schadenfreude, spotlighting the Republican "blood thirst" lashing out at critics. With suspect Tyler Robinson's arrest fueling debates on political violence, Bland and Krueger frame this tragedy as a lens on America's gun culture and free speech fault lines, urging listeners to tune in for a raw, nuanced take on a figure most knew only from headlines.

    45 min
  • The Left Hook - You're in the File

    On *The Left Hook* with host Mark Bland, guest Drew Pinson dives into a dynamic mix of politics, pop culture, and personal insights. Aired on CBS Radio, the episode kicks off with Bland's enthusiasm for fall and Halloween, proposing a spooky-themed special featuring mystics and haunted locations. The conversation shifts to pop culture, with Pinson defending Almond Joy in a nostalgic candy bracket debate, highlighting the show's recurring "Tournament of Pop Culture" segment. The discussion takes a serious turn as Bland and Pinson tackle political controversies. They criticize President Donald Trump's leadership, likening it to a chaotic, transactional approach that destabilizes institutions. A focal point is the controversy surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, whose anti-vaccine stance and misinformation have prompted over a thousand HHS employees to demand his resignation. The hosts lament the politicization of health policy, with Pinson comparing RFK Jr.'s actions to "bombing for peace." The episode also addresses the Epstein files, with survivors compiling their own client list due to the Justice Department's inaction. Bland and Pinson question Trump's dismissal of the files as a hoax, speculating on the lack of accountability even if incriminating evidence emerges. They express frustration over Trump's influence, with Pinson noting the exhaustion of living under his prolonged political presence. Lightening the mood, the hosts debate wrestling, with Bland questioning AEW's HBO Max deal and advocating for a direct-to-consumer model, while Pinson defends AEW's appeal to adult fans. They wrap up with a lively discussion on the 2025 song of the summer, championing Chappell Roan's *Pink Pony Club* over Billboard's pick. *The Left Hook* blends humor, nostalgia, and sharp political commentary, engaging listeners with its eclectic mix.

    45 min
  • The Left Hook - World Records and Prayers
    From St. Louis, Missouri, The Left Hook with host Mark Bland airs on CBS Radio Networks(WIBH/KRLL) , delivering a one-hour blend of independent politics and pop culture with a progressive edge. This week, Mark welcomes returning guest Marcus Boston for a candid, hard-hitting discussion. They tackle the recent Annunciation Catholic School shooting, where two children died and 17 were injured, sparking a feud between White House Press Secretary Carolyn Leavitt and Jen Psaki, now an MSNBC host. Psaki criticized "thoughts and prayers" on social media, pushing for gun control, while Leavitt called her remarks disrespectful to faith communities, highlighting tensions over religion and gun policy. Mark and Marcus debate why guns dominate these tragedies, citing Australia's Port Arthur reforms as a model, and question Congress's failure, especially among Republicans, to enact common-sense gun laws.The conversation critiques the Trump administration's polarizing tactics, like deploying National Guard troops to liberal cities such as Chicago, seen as provocative rather than problem-solving. They explore how money fuels political dysfunction, from lobbying to Trump's private equity deals, dismantling 250 years of federal systems. Marcus views Trump as embodying "the real America," contrasting with Obama's hopeful era of economic recovery. They challenge inflammatory rhetoric, like Leavitt's response to labeling trans people as potential domestic terrorists, and debunk stereotypes about mass shooters, noting young white males predominate. Mark argues a leader like Bernie Sanders could have shifted priorities toward public funding and people-first policies. With sharp wit and raw honesty, The Left Hook dissects school shootings, religion, and systemic issues, urging listeners to confront America's challenges. Tune in for a thought-provoking hour that pulls no punches, delivering a progressive "jab, jab, left hook" to spark change.
    45 min
  • The Left Hook - A Tithing to the King

    The Premier episode of the new moderate/liberal show called Mark Bland's The Left Hook! On this first episode of the show, funny man and actor Jonathan May stops through to talk some politics and life. First up Trump is having tons of meetings with world leaders and none seem to come off well. Putin tells Trump they can meet in Alaska where the world finds out that Trump is a super Putin fan and Putin couldn't care any less about the USA and Trump. After the failed meeting Trump walked away with no concessions and no hope. Then he trounced to Washington DC to meet with world leaders and Zalensky regarding the Ukraine war. Trump had nothing to offer and made a laughing stock of his own meetings. All in all the USA walked away from this with less than they started with. And now Putin knows that Trump is his puppet. All this and more on the first episode of The Left hook.

    48 min
  • The QNow - 645- And just like that, They're gone
    In this lively episode of The Q Now podcast, hosts Mark Bland and Jason Kull deliver a mix of politics, pop culture, and personal stories from KYRO's Gateway Fiber Studios. Broadcasting with a simulcast in "Broken England," the duo reflects on their decade-long journey, announcing a hiatus from KYRO to join Occupy Democrats for a new show airing three days a week on YouTube. They express gratitude to KYRO's owners, John Shepherd and Lee Thompson, for the platform that opened new doors, while inviting listeners to follow their upcoming venture. Joined by guest magician Keegan Emmert, the episode is packed with humor and candid moments. Emmert wows with a fork-bending trick, signed by the hosts, and a mind-bending experiment highlighting their connection. The hosts praise his talent, hinting at future collaborations. Politically, they critique the current administration's "clumsy and unnecessary" policies, like tariffs, and express frustration with media dynamics and leadership, urging listeners to stay engaged. Mark and Jason share stories of overcoming career challenges in St. Louis, emphasizing resilience and authentic relationships. They touch on cultural references, from Bobcat Goldthwait to OnlyFans controversies, keeping the vibe unscripted and relatable. The episode wraps with a call to check out Emmert's Lock and Key Magic and a promise to keep delivering thought-provoking content. Don't miss this heartfelt farewell to KYRO and a bold step into The Q Now's next chapter—stream it on theqnow.com and join the conversation!
    1 hr 39 min
  • the QNow - 644 - Stop It
    Hosts Mark Bland and Jason Kull deliver a fiery episode of The Q Now on KYRO News Radio, airing April 24, 2025, from Gateway Fiber Studios. Shortened to one hour due to a Blues playoff game, the show blends sharp political critique with pop culture banter, focusing on Trump's foreign policy and administration chaos. The episode opens with a Moscow Times report alleging Trump's involvement in a planned Moscow Trump Tower, explaining his pro-Russia stance amid stalled Ukraine-Russia peace talks. Bland and Cole criticize Trump for prioritizing personal gain over U.S. interests, noting Ukraine's rejection of U.S. proposals to cede territory and its shift to NATO allies. They highlight Trump's ineffective Truth Social pleas to Putin and dismiss his real estate focus as irrelevant to domestic issues like infrastructure. The hosts then address dysfunction in Trump's circle, citing a near-physical clash between Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent over IRS leadership, devolving into accusations of being a "Soros agent." They debunk Trump's claims of low grocery prices, using Grok to confirm egg prices nearly doubled from $3.37 to $6.23 per dozen since April 2024. Bland calls Trump's team "whiny" and urges Republicans to offer substantive solutions. For levity, the hosts discuss BuzzFeed's gross behind-the-scenes facts from films like The Paperboy (Nicole Kidman urinating on Zac Efron) and Texas Chainsaw Massacre (unwashed costumes in 100-degree heat). They tangent into It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia debates, maintaining their irreverent charm. Closing with thanks to listeners and Gateway Fiber, Bland and Kull vow to "make everyone proud." The episode appeals to politically engaged moderates, blending outrage at Trump's leadership with humor, reflecting the polarized climate of 2025.
    50 min
  • The QNow - 641 - Liberation Day

    The hosts of "the queue now," Mark Bland and Jason Cole, marked their show's 15th anniversary, with Bland announcing the retirement of his traditional intro for a more free-flowing approach. The main topic of discussion quickly became "Liberation Day," which coincided with the implementation of new tariffs by Donald Trump. The hosts expressed significant concern about the economic fallout, drawing parallels to the historically damaging Smoot-Hawley Act. They highlighted the negative reaction in the stock market and the potential for job losses in sectors like automaking. The tariffs were portrayed as illogical and harmful to US allies, potentially driving them towards alternative partnerships, such as with China.

    The conversation also touched on Elon Musk's waning influence after an unsuccessful political investment and his reported upcoming departure from Trump's administration. A significant segment focused on Laura Loomer, who allegedly presented Trump with a list of disloyal government officials, leading to the firing of several individuals based on loyalty. The hosts deemed this a dangerous precedent.

    The latter part of the show featured an interview with Dr. Julie Scott, the current vice president running for re-election to the Wentzville School Board. Dr. Scott advocated for the importance of local elections, the Propel proposition to fund schools, and a focus on students' needs over political agendas. She voiced her frustrations with the current board's functionality and discussed the negative campaigning she had experienced. Bland and Cole strongly endorsed Dr. Scott, encouraging listeners in the Wentzville district to vote for her. The hosts identified themselves as "Midwestern moderate liberals".

    1 hr 42 min
  • The QNow - 640 - Hot Nuts

    The QNow Podcast – Mark Bland & Jason Kull with Guest Moshe Kopolow

    In this episode of The QNow, airing on 1280 KYRO Fox News, Mark Bland and Jason Kull are joined by guest Moshe Kopolow for a deep dive into some of the biggest topics making waves in the world today. From international conflicts to the digital landscape, this episode is packed with sharp analysis, bold opinions, and plenty of thought-provoking moments.

    We kick things off with a discussion on the Israel-Palestine conflict, exploring the latest developments, historical complexities, and how public discourse around the issue is evolving. Moshe offers his unique perspective as we break down some of the narratives shaping this long-standing conflict.

    Next, we turn our attention to Mahmoud Khalil, examining his influence and why his name is garnering attention in current global discussions. We dig into his legacy and how his work connects to larger geopolitical movements.

    Then, we shift gears to Seattle, a city that continues to shape the national conversation through its politics, culture, and activism. What's really going on in the Pacific Northwest? We unpack how Seattle reflects broader societal trends and discuss key stories to watch.

    Finally, we dive into the chaos of Twitter Spaces—where digital debates rage in real time. We explore whether these live audio forums are sparking meaningful conversations or just contributing to the noise.

    It's an episode full of insight, debate, and the no-holds-barred energy you expect from The QNow, airing live on 1280 KYRO Fox News. Tune in and join the conversation!

    1 hr 22 min

About The Left Hook

From the publisher's feed

Hosted by Mark Bland, The Left Hook is a current affairs and pop culture show with a political twist. Weekly the guys interview actors, writers, artist and a revolving cast of characters to bring you…