'BradCast' 11/4/2025: Republican Thuggery While Americans Vote by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 11-4-2025 by Progressive Voices

🗳️ Is There Hope for America? Early Votes Surge and Trump’s Power Tested | The Karel Cast 25-142 Record early voting numbers in New York City. Proposition 50 poised to pass easily in California. Could this be a sign of a Democratic wave in the 2026 midterms—and a turning point for the country? But before we celebrate, there’s a darker question: what will Donald Trump do if he sees power slipping away? History shows his followers don’t go quietly. Could the months ahead test America’s democracy once again? Karel digs into the mood of the nation—hope vs. fear—and what today’s turnout might really mean for the future. Plus, a fast-paced look at the other major stories shaping your world. 🎙️ The Karel Cast streams live Monday–Thursday at 10:30 AM PST on all major platforms — Apple, Spotify, iHeart, and Spreaker. 💖 Support independent media at patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Watch, like, and subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel #KarelCast, #2026Midterms, #DemocraticWave, #Prop50, #NYCVoting, #EarlyVoting, #TrumpThreat, #AmericanDemocracy, #Election2026, #PoliticalPodcast, #IndependentMedia, #LasVegasPodcaster, #ProgressiveVoices, #VoteBlue, #TrumpNews, #ElectionIntegrity, #PoliticalCommentary, #BreakingNews, #HopeForAmerica, #CurrentEvents

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 Cedric Leighton. Col. Leighton (USAF-Ret.) provides his expert analysis on President Trump restarting U.S. nuclear weapons testing for the first time in 33 years. They also discuss Trump and Pete Hegseth's missile attacks on fishing boats in foreign waters, the President's East Asia trip, a potential trade deal with China, and more. Brad is then joined by New York Times investigative reporter Kenneth P. Vogel. The two discuss Ken's new book, "DEVILS' ADVOCATES: The Hidden Story of Rudy Giuliani, Hunter Biden, and the Washington Insiders on the Payrolls of Corrupt Foreign Interest." The book shines a spotlight on one of the most shadowy and impactful industries in U.S. politics—the foreign influence business. Drawing on exclusive sources, thousands of documents, and on-the-ground reporting, Vogel pulls back the curtain on this billion-dollar business that spans the partisan spectrum and secretly shapes U.S. foreign policy, while often flouting American values like human rights and democracy. 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.  You can purchase Ken's new book, "DEVILS' ADVOCATES," at https://bookshop.org/p/books/devils-advocates-the-hidden-story-of-rudy-giuliani-hunter-biden-and-the-washington-insiders-on-the-payrolls-of-corrupt-foreign-interests-kenneth-p/a0a75dbc3b3a6de0?ean=9780063341210&next=t. His handle on Blue Sky is @kenvogel.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' 11/3/2025: Last Call(s) Before Election Day; Dispatches from the Gerrymandering Wars by Progressive Voices

🚨 Terror Train: Why the World Feels Unsafe in 2025 | The Karel Cast A brutal knife attack on a London train sends shockwaves worldwide — but is it really that surprising anymore? With mass shootings daily, measles outbreaks, COVID still lingering, and global leaders flirting with the brink of war, it’s fair to ask: Are we safe anywhere? From the chaos abroad to food insecurity at home, 2025 feels like a turning point. Have you changed your habits, or have we simply normalized the danger? Plus: • The worst box office weekend of 2025 — has streaming finally killed movie theaters, or are films just getting worse? • Why the “Free Britney” movement might’ve backfired as she deletes her Instagram. • The new CancerGuard test — would you take it? • How social media’s highlight reels hide real human struggle. • And my Mac dilemma — because even tech feels uncertain these days. 🎙️ The Karel Cast streams live Monday–Thursday at 10:30 AM PST on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, and Spreaker. 💖 Support independent media: patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Watch, like, and subscribe: youtube.com/reallykarel #TerrorTrain, #LondonAttack, #KarelCast, #GlobalCrisis, #MassShootings, #FoodInsecurity, #StreamingWars, #MovieBoxOffice, #BritneySpears, #CancerGuard, #MeaslesOutbreak, #COVID2025, #WorldNews, #SocialMediaCulture, #SafetyIn2025, #IndependentMedia, #PodcastLife, #LasVegasPodcaster, #CurrentEvents, #PopCultureNew

'BradCast' 10/30/2025: The Weak 'Strongman'; Under-the-radar contests in Tuesday elections by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 10/30/2025 by Progressive Voices

🐋 AI Will Let Animals Talk — But Will Humanity Listen? | The Karel Cast Artificial Intelligence is cracking the code of animal language — whales, elephants, and even dolphins may soon be able to “speak” to us through AI translation. Within just two years, we could be having real conversations with other species. But when that day comes… will we listen? If animals can finally tell us what they feel and need, will we grant them the rights they deserve — clean oceans, protected habitats, a chance to live free from human harm? This episode explores how AI could change everything about how we treat life on Earth. Plus: • The GOP’s cruel attack on food security — why SNAP should never be political. • The truth behind rising health insurance costs: Congress or corporate greed? • The most mispronounced words in America. • Why “White Lotus” fatigue is real. • Michelin stars are back — but does anyone really care? 🎙️ The Karel Cast streams Monday–Thursday at 10:30 AM PST on all major platforms — Apple, Spotify, iHeart, and Spreaker. 💖 Support independent media at patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Watch, like, and subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel #AIandAnimals, #WhaleCommunication, #ArtificialIntelligence, #AnimalRights, #ClimateJustice, #KarelCast, #VeganInVegas, #WildlifeConservation, #TechForGood, #CorporateGreed, #SNAPCuts, #GOPPolitics, #HealthcareCosts, #WhiteLotus, #MichelinStars, #LasVegasPodcaster, #ProgressiveVoices, #PodcastLife, #WhaleSong, #AIRevolution https://youtube.com/live/lH8DYWMfkVA

This time on Code WACK! Millions of Americans are expected to forgo buying health insurance starting in 2026 as the cost of their coverage soars. Others who currently qualify for Medicaid may find the rules have changed and they are no longer eligible. What can people do when they need care but can’t afford it? And why are young people especially at risk? To find out, we spoke with Rachel Madley, director of policy and advocacy at the Center for Health and Democracy. She previously served as health policy advisor to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and worked in the Office of Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Having struggled personally with a chronic medical condition, Rachel shares her firsthand experience staying alive despite America's cruel healthcare system. This is the second episode of a two-part series. 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' 10/29/2025: 'The first politically viable wealth tax' by Progressive Voices

🔥 America’s Hidden Crisis: The Job That’s Killing Millions — Are You One of Them? One in four Americans now has a new job — and it’s not one they chose. Caregiving has quietly become the fastest-growing unpaid occupation in the country, draining families emotionally, physically, and financially. In today’s Karel Cast, we dig into the care crisis no one is talking about: why it’s exploding, what Medicare really covers, and what solutions could save millions from burnout. Plus: 🎃 The scariest movie this Halloween might just be real life. 💰 Which U.S. zip codes are the most expensive — and who’s actually buying there? 👶 Is 70 too old to father a child? Just ask Kelsey Grammer. Watch, like, and subscribe to The Karel Cast — live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 AM PST on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel and stream it anywhere podcasts are heard! #hashtags: #KarelCast, #CareCrisis, #Caregivers, #AmericanHealthcare, #Medicare, #AgingInAmerica, #HealthcareCrisis, #FamilyCaregivers, #MentalHealth, #Burnout, #CostOfLiving, #HousingCrisis, #WealthGap, #Halloween2025, #KelseyGrammer, #ParentingAt70, #ProgressiveTalk, #LasVegasPodcasts, #SocialJustice, #NewsCommentary

Leslie is joined by Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy for the 63 unions and 15 million members of the AFL-CIO, where he serves as chief lobbyist and director of government affairs. They discuss the severe toll of the ongoing government shutdown on workers and families—from unpaid federal employees turning to food banks to the ripple effects hitting local economies. Calemine warns that Congress’s failure to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits could sharply raise health costs for small-business owners and workers. He urges lawmakers to pass relief measures like the True Shutdown Fairness Act and Military and Federal Employee Protection Act, and to end political brinkmanship that’s using American workers as pawns. The website for the AFL-CIO is AFLCIO.org and their handle on Blue Sky is @AFLCIO.org. Their handle on Facebook, Instagram and X is @AFLCIO. Jody's handle on Blue Sky is @guerino.bsky.social.

Leslie is joined by Dr. Robert Shapiro, Chairman of Sonecon, an economic advisory firm, and a Senior Fellow of the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. The two discuss his latest blog, "The Government Shutdown Is the First Skirmish in the Battle Over Trump’s 2026 Budget." (Link: https://www.sonecon.com/the-government-shutdown-is-the-first-skirmish-in-the-battle-over-trumps-2026-budget/) In it, Dr. Shapiro argues that the current federal government shutdown marks the opening move in a much larger struggle over the fiscal direction of the federal government under Donald Trump’s 2026 budget proposal. It contends that what appears to be a short-term fight over spending bills is in fact a strategic effort to reshape federal priorities—cutting large swaths of domestic programs while boosting defense, border security and deregulation. The shutdown is portrayed as both a bargaining tactic to force concessions from Congress and a signalling device to markets and stakeholders about how aggressively the administration intends to pursue its agenda. The blog warns that the deeper economic and institutional damage will come once the shutdown ends and the budget battle truly begins, with Congress and the administration locked in a clash over the size, scope and role of the federal government. Dr. Shapiro's website is Sonecon.com and his handle on X is @RobShapiro.

'BradCast' 10/28/2025: Monster Storm, Endless Wars, Gamed Elections -- It's all going great! by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 10/28/2025 by Progressive Voices

'BradCast' 10/27/2025 (Let's Play 'Who Wants to Be a U.S. Citizen?'!) by Progressive Voices

America’s Breaking Point: Why Grief Is the New Normal Grief isn’t just personal anymore — it’s national. From the East Wing’s destruction to soaring prices, collapsing communities, and the loss of what America once felt like, millions are mourning the country they thought they knew. If you’re not MAGA, you’re grieving. In this powerful episode, Karel opens up about personal loss and how it mirrors a nation in pain. What do we do when grief becomes the defining American emotion? How do we move forward when the dream feels gone? Plus: Karel dives into Ozark Law, exploring the mindset of small-town America — the very people Democrats must reach — and exposes the real force tearing communities apart (hint: it’s not drugs). Join the conversation, feel the truth, and find a little hope amid the heartbreak. 🎧 Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Watch more on youtube.com/reallykarel

'BradCast' 10/23/2025: Critical NOAA Climate Database resurrected by Progressive Voices

🏳️‍🌈 What It Means To Be Gay in America Today | Karel Cast 25-136 LGBTQ+ rights are under siege like never before. With over 600 anti-LGBTQ bills circulating nationwide, trans Americans fleeing the country, and queer spaces closing at alarming rates — is this the new normal for being gay in the USA? In this episode, Karel explores what it really means to be queer in Trump’s America — from Pride attendance plummeting to allies growing silent. Can the LGBTQ+ community survive another cultural rollback, or is this the moment to rise stronger than ever? Plus — horror is dominating Hollywood again! The Black Phone 2 rules the box office, Sinners is returning to theaters, and awards buzz is growing. But what truly scares us — the supernatural… or the world we’re living in right now? 💬 Watch, comment, and share your thoughts on what scares you most — and how we can protect equality in America. ❤️ Subscribe and support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Watch all episodes at youtube.com/reallykarel #KarelCast, #LGBTQNews, #GayInAmerica, #EqualityNow, #QueerRights, #TransRightsAreHumanRights, #Pride, #LGBTQCommunity, #AntiLGBTQLaws, #HumanRights, #SpeakOut, #BlackPhone2, #SinnersMovie, #HorrorMovies, #CulturalCommentary, #PoliticalPodcast, #SocialJustice, #LasVegasPodcast, #ProgressiveMedia, #ReallyKarel