Progressive Voices

Leslie welcomes back Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, for an in-depth look at four timely topics shaping the global economy and American industry. They break down China’s worsening economic crisis and what it means for global markets, and unpack the latest developments in U.S. tariff negotiations with key trading partners. The pair also highlights practical Made-in-America products perfect for outfitting a dorm room or first apartment, and finally, explores how programs like Manufacturing USA and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership are fueling innovation, strengthening supply chains, and creating good-paying jobs here at home. AAM's website is AmericanManufacturing.org and their YouTube channel is youtube.com/@AmericanMfg (where you can watch episode's of AAM's podcast, "The Manufacturing Report") If you want to listen to episodes of "The Manufacturing Report," visit AmericanManufacturing.org/Podcast. Their handles on X and BlueSky are @KeepItMadeInUSA, and @keepitmadeinusa.bsky.social, respectively. Scott's handle on X is @ScottPaulAAM. (Image Credit: Hill Street Studios via Getty Images)

Should Trump Represent Earth to Aliens? First Contact in 2025? | Karel Cast What if humanity’s first meeting with extraterrestrial life happened next year — and Donald Trump was the one to represent us? With the interstellar object 3I Atlas heading our way in November, passing close to Jupiter, Mars, and even Earth, some scientists speculate it could be more than just space debris. Could it be a probe from another civilization? And if so… are we ready for first contact? Should Trump be humanity’s ambassador, or would that be a cosmic catastrophe waiting to happen? Could his actions trigger an intergalactic disaster — or is that exactly why “they” sent it in the first place? Plus, your weekend entertainment wrap-up: from Dexter to Weapons, we’ve got the must-watch picks. 🔥 Uncensored. Unfiltered. Unhinged. This is The Karel Cast — where we talk about the stories others won’t touch. 👍 Like, Subscribe, and hit the bell to stay ahead of the conversation. 💬 Do you think 3I Atlas is just a rock… or something more?

This time on Code WACK! Why are some Americans choosing to go off the health insurance grid? For Lani Gonzales, entrepreneur and hypnotherapist, it was the mounting frustration with denials, delays … and ultimately being dropped by her health insurer through no fault of her own. So instead of reapplying she walked away—and pieced together a system for herself. Combining medical tourism, concierge medicine, a health share and even reclaiming her Philippine citizenship, Lani took an unconventional route to take control of her health care. What drove her to make these radical changes—and what can we learn from her journey? This is the second episode in a two-part series.

Are You Time Traveling In Your Sleep? The Science of Precognitive Dreams | Karel Cast 25-110 What if your dreams aren’t just random stories — what if they’re messages from your future? There’s mounting scientific evidence that precognition is real. From gut feelings that come true to vivid dreams that predict events, researchers are exploring whether our consciousness might be “time traveling” — entangling on a quantum level with our future selves. Could your brain be receiving information from the future while you sleep? What if your dreams aren’t just random stories — what if they’re messages from your future? There’s mounting scientific evidence that precognition is real. From gut feelings that come true to vivid dreams that predict events, researchers are exploring whether our consciousness might be “time traveling” — entangling on a quantum level with our future selves. Could your brain be receiving information from the future while you sleep? Meanwhile, Donald Trump now has his own “brown shirts” — the National Guard — being deployed in ways they were never meant to be used. Why is Congress letting it happen? And is this all just part of a bigger distraction from what really matters? 🔥 Uncensored. Unfiltered. Unhinged. This is The Karel Cast — where bold ideas meet hard truths. 👍 Like, Subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss a moment. 💬 Drop your thoughts — do you believe in precognitive dreams, or is it all coincidence?

The Real Enemy of the People? Congress Exposed | Karel Cast 25-109 From Roe v. Wade to Gay Marriage, our rights are hanging by a thread — and the real culprit isn’t just the Supreme Court or Donald Trump… it’s Congress. In this fiery episode of The Karel Cast, we break down how decades of Congressional inaction have allowed our rights to be stripped, our climate to collapse, and our democracy to erode. Why didn’t Congress codify Roe v. Wade? Why didn’t they protect marriage equality? Why are budgets unbalanced, and why is the climate crisis ignored? Presidents come and go — but Congress’ dysfunction is the constant enemy of progress. 🔥 Uncensored. Unfiltered. Unhinged. This is The Karel Cast. 👍 Like, Subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss the truth the mainstream won’t say. 💬 Drop your thoughts — is Congress the real enemy of the people?

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 Tim Karr, Senior of Director of Strategy and Communications at 'Free Press,' a nonpartisan organization fighting for your rights to connect and communicate. The pair examines the increasingly disturbing trend of the mainstream media's capitulation to Trump and his administration. This includes a discussion on Free Press's newly created 'Media Capitulation Index,' and a report that Tim authored on the way forward. It's titled, "A More Perfect Media: Saving America’s Fourth Estate from Billionaires, Broligarchy and Trump." Then, Brad is joined by Hadar Susskind, President and CEO of 'The New Jewish Narrative." The organization's mission statement identifies their members as "American Jews, deeply rooted in the story of our people and the history of our struggle for peace and justice. In our narrative, peace and justice are the birthright of Israelis, of Palestinians, and of all people." The two discuss the increasingly dire situation in Gaza, where the United Nation's Humanitarian Affairs Office says that food consumption has "declined to its lowest level since the onset of the war." They report that "nearly 90% of households have resorted to extremely severe coping mechanisms to feed themselves, including taking significant risks to obtain food and scavenging from garbage." Gaza health authorities also report that over 200 people have died of starvation since the war began 22 months ago, and that nearly half of them were children. 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. (Image Credit: Free Press)

After Over 2000 Years Restaurants Are Dying | Karel Cast 25-109 For over 2,000 years, restaurants have been places to connect, celebrate, and explore new flavors — from ancient Greek taverns to Parisian cafés. But today, America’s dining scene is in crisis. In the first half of 2025, restaurants and bars saw one of the weakest six-month sales periods in a decade. Food costs are up over 20% since 2021, and some of my favorite spots have lost more than 30% of their business. What’s causing the collapse? Inflation, shifting habits… or Donald Trump’s economy? If restaurants vanish, it’s not just about losing convenience — it’s about losing a core piece of our culture, history, and daily life. Join me as I break down the history of restaurants, why they matter, and what it means if they disappear. Are we watching our way of life erode right in front of us? 🔥 Uncensored. Unfiltered. Unhinged. This is The Karel Cast — streaming live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 AM PST on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments. 👍 Like, Subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode. 💖 Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel. #KarelCast, #RestaurantCrisis, #FoodCulture, #EconomicCollapse, #DiningOut, #RestaurantHistory, #DonaldTrumpEconomy, #FoodCosts, #Inflation2025, #SupportLocalRestaurants, #EatLocal, #HospitalityIndustry, #RestaurantDecline, #CulturalLoss, #EconomicImpact, #Foodies, #LunchOut, #DiningCulture, #SaveRestaurants, #EconomicReality https://youtube.com/live/RwhkS3tH7jQ

🐶 Why Are Americans So Anti-Dog in Public? | Karel Cast 25-108 Dogs at the grocery store? Farmer’s market? Restaurant? In other countries, it’s normal. In America, it’s a problem. But why? Today on the Karel Cast, we unpack a viral story out of San Francisco where people are outraged over well-behaved dogs being allowed in public spaces. Yet, research shows dogs lower stress, aid healing, and enhance well-being in hospitals and nursing homes. So why is the U.S. so obsessed with banning them from everyday places? Is this about health and safety—or just good ol’ American overreaction? Plus, we look at what’s hot in entertainment this weekend and get you ready to unwind (maybe with your dog by your side). 🎙️ Unfiltered. Unapologetic. Unleashed. It’s the Karel Cast. 💥 Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Subscribe now at youtube.com/reallykarel 📱 Watch daily on TikTok, Instagram, and stream on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, and more! #dogs, #dogfriendly, #dogsoftiktok, #publicspaces, #americansociety, #petparent, #dogsarefamily, #karelcast, #animalrights, #petpolicy, #serviceanimals, #doglover, #dogculture, #viralnews, #sanfrancisconews, #weekendvibes, #popculturetalk, #mentalhealth, #petsinpublic, #entertainmentnews https://youtube.com/live/BcwfH37_06g

Nations gather in Geneva to again confront the global crisis of plastic pollution; Trump EPA moves to claw back billions in community grants for rooftop solar; PLUS: As energy costs rise, Trump Administration escalates its war on cheap renewable energy... All that and more in today's Green News Report!

What would you do if your health insurer suddenly dropped you—and the care you needed cost thousands out of pocket? That’s what happened to Lani Gonzales, a former attorney from Florida who thought she understood contracts—until she came face-to-face with America’s broken healthcare system. After experiencing medical debt and being denied coverage for vital health treatments, Lani asked herself: Why keep playing a game that’s rigged against me? Her search for affordable, compassionate care led her across the border to Mexico – and to some surprising lessons about what health care in America could look like. This is the first episode in a two-part series with Lani.

AI Is Coming for Your Job: Top 10 at Risk + What To Do After 50 | Karel Cast 25-108 AI isn’t “coming”—it’s here, and a lot of jobs are on the line. We break down the Top 10 roles at risk (interpreters/translators, historians, passenger attendants, sales reps, writers/authors, customer service reps, CNC programmers, telephone operators, ticket/travel agents, broadcast announcers & radio DJs) and ask: What do you do—especially if you’re 50+? We talk real strategies: reskilling, AI-proof skill stacks, union/pro policy, UBI/transition supports, and how to push back on corporate AI rollouts that treat workers as disposable. Plus: Trump’s talk of “strict tests” for transgender athletes in the Olympics—why it’s a political stunt that harms real people. And yes, I stepped in it over a family-only line at the airport—is “special convenience” policy fair if it doesn’t serve everyone? 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for unfiltered analysis four days a week at 10:30 AM PT. Support at patreon.com/reallykarel and watch everywhere you stream.

IN TODAY'S RADIO REPORT: Fire at Grand Canyon North Rim is now the largest mega-fire in the U.S.; New research shows the cascading health impacts of wildfire smoke; PLUS: Trump Administration rolls out climate science deniers to justify overturning climate change regulations... All that and more in today's Green News Report!

The Death of the True Star: From Streisand to Sydney Sweeney | Karel Cast Ep. 107 Hollywood used to make stars—real stars. The kind that could sing, act, and command a room like Streisand, Streep, or Prince. But now? The era of the true entertainer is over. Sydney Sweeney does a jeans ad and suddenly we know her political party. JLo headlines a tour and is torn to shreds. Fame today doesn’t require talent—just a phone and an algorithm. And when everything became “content,” the art… started to die. Are real stars a thing of the past? Have we traded brilliance for virality? Let’s talk about it—uncensored, unfiltered, and unhinged. 🎙️ The Karel Cast streams Mon–Thurs at 10:30AM PST across all platforms. 💥 Like, comment & subscribe right here on YouTube and support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel

Las Vegas Isn’t the Problem—America Is Too Expensive | Karel Cast Ep. 107 Everyone’s saying Las Vegas is dying. But the real story? America is becoming unaffordable—coast to coast. Tourism in Vegas is down 15%, international travel is down 14%, and yes, price gouging in casinos plays a role. But the bigger picture? The entire U.S. economy is crumbling under the weight of inflation, rising tariffs, and policies that push people out instead of welcoming them in. And Trump? His legacy still haunts international tourism. Visitors don’t want to deal with ICE, insane costs, or political chaos. Vegas is the canary in the economic coal mine, and the signs are flashing red. Americans can’t afford America anymore. 🎧 Unfiltered. Unapologetic. Unhinged. It’s The Karel Cast—live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 AM PST on all streaming platforms. 👉 Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel and be sure to like, comment, and subscribe right here on YouTube! #LasVegas, #USAEconomy, #TourismCrisis, #Inflation2025, #PriceGouging, #VegasTourism, #EconomicCollapse, #TooExpensive, #Tariffs, #TrumpEffect, #InternationalTravel, #ICE, #MAGAChaos, #CostOfLivingCrisis, #TheKarelCast, #UnfilteredNews, #PoliticalCommentary, #VegasEconomy, #BrokeAmerica, #TruthBombs ⸻ https://youtube.com/live/3tBmREOfWrY

Trump EPA moves to kill its own authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions; 2025 on track to be one of the hottest years ever recorded; PLUS: The economic toll of climate-intensified wildfires and severe storms is soaring... All that and more in today's Green News Report!

When Progressives Push Too Far | Karel Cast Ep. 106 When Tolerance Goes Too Far Is the left losing the middle? A viral debate over actress Sydney Sweeney’s “great genes” (and jeans) shows just how extreme internet outrage culture has become — and it may be pushing everyday people away from progressive causes. Plus, I want you to go to the movies — and I’ll tell you what to see and why it matters. 🎬 And Senator Cory Booker loses it on fellow Democrats. GOOD. It’s about time someone shows real emotion and demands accountability from the party. Liberals, if we keep pushing people away with hypersensitivity, who’s left to fight for the actual issues? Let’s talk about how we get the message back on track. 🎧 Uncensored, Unfiltered, Unhinged — it’s The Karel Cast. 📺 Watch, like & subscribe on YouTube at youtube.com/reallykarel 🎙️ Stream on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. #KarelCast, #SydneySweeney, #CancelCulture, #WokeGoneWrong, #ProgressivePolitics, #LiberalBacklash, #CultureWars, #CoryBooker, #Democrats, #OutrageCulture, #PopCultureDebate, #MediaCritique, #PoliticsAndCulture, #KarelUnfiltered, #NewsPodcast, #YouTubeNews, #LeftVsRight, #GetWokeGoBroke, #FreeSpeechDebate, #LikeAndSubscribe https://youtube.com/live/Kluh7U0ZSCw

THIS WEEK ON CODE WACK! Most of us know that our profit-driven healthcare system results in moral injury. How is moral harming physicians? And how is it harming patients? Dr. Diljeet Singh is an integrative gynecologic oncologist and the president of Physicians for a National Health Program. She’s leading a powerful new project with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to find out. By gathering stories from doctors and patients across the country, her team is uncovering how corporate control and financial pressures are fueling moral injury in medicine—and what it will take to make things right. From physicians losing autonomy to entire communities losing access to care, the stakes are real—and deeply personal. This is the second episode in 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.

🌪️ We’re Not Ready for What’s Coming | Karel Cast Ep. 25-105 A volcano in Russia could trigger a tsunami. A rare derecho tears through the plains. After watching The Eye of the Storm, one thing is clear: we are completely unprepared for what Mother Nature is throwing at us — and it’s only getting worse. Tornadoes, hurricanes, deadly heat waves… they’re increasing. But our readiness? Crumbling. Why aren’t we adapting? Why are insurance companies collapsing under the pressure of disasters we knew were coming? Plus: a shocking new Gen Alpha survey (ages 12–15) shows we’re failing the future generation, too. From climate to culture — we are NOT ready. 🎙️ Uncensored. Unfiltered. Unhinged. It’s The Karel Cast. 📺 Watch, like, and subscribe: youtube.com/reallykarel 🎧 Stream on all platforms | Support at patreon.com/reallykarel #ClimateCrisis, #ExtremeWeather, #GlobalWarming, #StormWatch, #DisasterPreparedness, #GenAlpha, #VolcanoAlert, #Derecho, #ClimateAction, #TsunamiWarning, #InsuranceCrisis, #MotherNature, #KarelCast, #PodcastNews, #ClimateReality, #HurricaneSeason, #HeatWave, #EmergencyPrep, #KarelLive, #LasVegasPodcaster https://youtube.com/live/-xy7FsfldKA

IN TODAY'S RADIO REPORT: Massive algae bloom and marine heat wave are decimating South Australia's coast and fisheries; Iran grapples with water crisis and extreme heat; Wind-driven wildfires force evacuations in Greece, Turkey; PLUS: Donald Trump's irrational hatred of wind energy is killing jobs across the U.S.... All that and more in today's Green News Report!

Is the Media Making Us Sick? | Karel Cast 25-104 Is the media destroying your mental health? You’re not alone. In this eye-opening episode, Karel shares a personal message from a friend who’s had enough of the emotional rollercoaster brought on by news and social media. From the heartbreaking images in Gaza to the chaos of Trump and MAGA, it seems like everything is a crisis. And the curated “perfect lives” on social media? Just salt in the wound. We dive into how the news cycle, endless bad headlines, and performative social posts are becoming a silent health crisis for millions. But how do we stay informed without losing our sanity? Can we break free from the manipulation? Plus, Karel gives his take on how to reclaim your peace without disconnecting completely. 🔊 Uncensored. Unfiltered. Unhinged. It’s The Karel Cast — streaming Monday through Thursday at 10:30 AM PST on all major platforms and socials. ❤️ Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Watch & Subscribe: youtube.com/reallykarel 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Spreaker & more! ⸻ Hashtags: #MentalHealthCrisis, #MediaFatigue, #SocialMediaToxicity, #NewsBurnout, #Gaza2025, #TrumpChaos, #DigitalWellness, #KarelCast, #KarelLive, #MediaManipulation, #EchoChamber, #StopDoomscrolling, #MentalHealthAwareness, #BreakTheCycle, #NewsAddiction, #UnplugToHeal, #SocialMediaAnxiety, #PoliticalFatigue, #DailyPodcast, #LikeAndSubscribe https://youtube.com/live/l6i1JJm2MYs