This Weekend Terrified Me Progressive Voices podcast

30:59

🚨 Trump vs Pride: Why the Politics of Hate Is Escalating | Karel Cast Ep. 25-75 🌈 IIn this powerful episode of the Karel Cast, we break down the GOP’s growing war on LGBTQ rights and visibility. Trump’s administration just erased Harvey Milk’s name from a Navy ship — during Pride Month — and declared June as “Title IX Month” instead, twisting the law to target trans rights. This isn’t new — the GOP has a long, shameful history of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. But we won’t be erased. They can cancel a month, but they can’t cancel Pride — because Pride is protest, resilience, and love. Also in this episode: 🐾 New science proves pets improve mental health — so why is pet ownership still restricted in so many places? 💊 A new pill could extend your large dog’s life — would you use it? 👉 Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Watch more at youtube.com/reallykarel 🎧 Listen on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, and more 📱 Follow on TikTok & Instagram @reallykarel ⸻ Hashtags: #LGBTQRights, #PrideMonth2025, #HarveyMilk, #TrumpHate, #TitleIX, #TransRightsAreHumanRights, #GOPAgenda, #QueerVoices, #PrideIsAProtest, #KarelCast, #PetWellness, #DogLifeExtension, #MentalHealthMatters, #LGBTQNews, #ProgressiveMedia, #CancelHate, #PrideNotPolitics, #QueerSolidarity, #StopTheHate, #PoliticalCommentary…

Progressive Voices

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Why So Many Americans Feel Helpless — And How to Break Free | Karel Cast Ep. 25-74 30:59

1 day ago30:59

30:59

Why So Many Americans Feel Helpless — And How to Break Free | Karel Cast Ep. 25-74 ⸻ Description: Do you ever feel like nothing you do matters? Climate change, skyrocketing prices, broken politics — and yet the most common reaction is: “What can I even do?” You’re not alone — helplessness is becoming America’s national mood. In this bold episode of the Karel Cast, we dig into: • Why that feeling of helplessness is more than just personal — it’s systemic. • How it creeps into your identity without you realizing. • The shockingly simple cure most people ignore. • What hypernormalization is — and how it keeps you stuck. • Plus: Why seniors are suddenly turning to cannabis in record numbers. 🍃 👊 Time to take your power back. 🧠 Time to wake up. 🔥 Time to stop feeling helpless. ⸻ 👉 Support the show: patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Subscribe & watch more: youtube.com/reallykarel 🎧 Stream on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker & more 📱 Follow on TikTok and Instagram: @reallykarel 🎙️ Live Mon–Thurs @ 10:30 AM PST ⸻ Hashtags: #KarelCast, #FeelingHelpless, #ClimateAnxiety, #CostOfLivingCrisis, #PoliticalFatigue, #Hypernormalization, #FightTheSystem, #CannabisSeniors, #SeniorHealth, #LGBTQVoices, #WakeUpAmerica, #EmpowerYourself, #TalkShow, #PodcastClips, #ProgressiveMedia, #RealTalk, #MentalHealthMatters, #IdentityCrisis, #DoSomething, #SocialAwareness https://youtube.com/live/a5563S8Q6GQ…

Progressive Voices

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Lobbying Industry Thriving Under Trump; Donald, Elon and RFK Jr. (Oh my!) 41:30

2 days ago41:30

41:30

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 Kate Ackley, a Senior Reporter for Bloomberg Government. Kate shares a a general status update of the lobby industry under President Trump. Then, she and Brad talk about the lobby efforts on the House reconciliation budget bill, and the higher education executive orders. Then, Brad is joined by Sarah Jones, the Editor-in-Chief of Politicus USA. The two discuss President Trump's broken promises on inflation and Ukraine, he and the House Republicans' big bad budget bill, Musk getting out of DOGE, and RFK Jr. on vaccines (or lack thereof). 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.…

Progressive Voices

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Is Trump Actually Good for Gay Pride? The Truth Behind Corporate Pullouts 🏳️‍🌈🔥 | Karel Cast Ep. 25-73 30:59

2 days ago30:59

30:59

Is Trump Actually Good for Gay Pride? The Truth Behind Corporate Pullouts 🏳️‍🌈🔥 | Karel Cast Ep. 25-73 Description: Is Donald Trump actually doing the LGBTQ+ community a favor? In this episode of the Karel Cast, we dive into the recent backlash as companies pull out of Pride events due to anti-DEI rhetoric — and why that might not be the worst thing. Corporations are bailing, boycotts are being threatened, and people are outraged… but maybe it’s time we remember that Pride started as a riot, not a sponsored party. Maybe it’s time to take our power back — and stop relying on brands for validation. Also in this episode: 🔥 A man throws fire at a crowd — the media frenzy begins: immigration, Free Palestine, and fear-mongering. 🎨 AI is taking over art, film, and writing — but what happens to the human in the humanities? 👉 Support the Karel Cast at patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Watch, like, and subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel 🎧 Listen on Apple Music, Spotify, iHeart, and all major platforms 📱 Catch more on TikTok and Instagram @reallykarel 🎙️ Live Mon–Thurs at 10:30 AM PST…

Progressive Voices

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AFL-CIO President on SCOTUS NRLB Ruling, House Budget Bill and DOGE 23:26

5 days ago23:26

23:26

Leslie is joined by Liz Shuler, President of the 63 unions and over 15 million members of the AFL-CIO, and the first woman leader of America’s labor movement. The pair discusses the Supreme Court ruling upholding Trump's firings of the National Labor Relations Board and Merit Systems Protection Board members, the draconian House budget bill, and the field hearings the Union conducted through the 'Department of People Who Work for a Living,' which they released a report on last week. The website for the AFL-CIO is www.AFLCIO.org and their BlueSky handle is @aflcio.org. Liz's handle is @lizshuler.bsky.social.…

Progressive Voices

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GOP's Disastrous Approach to Food Stamps (SNAP) in House Budget Bill 20:08

5 days ago20:08

20:08

Leslie is joined by Lily Roberts, Managing Director for Inclusive Growth at the Center for American Progress. The two first react to Senator Joni Ernst, after an audience member yells, “People will die,” during her discussion on Medicaid cuts at a town hall this morning, replying, “Well, we all are going to die.” Leslie and Lily then discuss the disastrous approach to food stamps (SNAP) in the House Republican passed 'Big Beautiful Bill.' The House-passed version: A. Would cut off some or all food assistance for 11 million people (4 million of those are kids) due to subjecting new groups of people (parents of young kids, older people, people who live in parts of the country where jobs are scarce) to additional paperwork requirements. B. Eliminates the national guarantee that whether you live in New York or Mississippi, you won’t go hungry. This has been the bottom line of food support and anti-poverty in the US for 60 years. Now, states will be required to foot part of the bill for SNAP, which many of them can’t afford. C. Guts SNAP as one of our best anti-recession tools – it keeps recessions from becoming depressions. SNAP immediately gets small dollars to the people who need money most, and it’s spent nearly instantly in local communities. Funding changes and cuts will doubly punish states during recessions. That’s important now, as we deal with economic uncertainty and a food safety net (food pantries, free school lunch, farmer grant programs) that have already been gutted by DOGE so can’t step in to help. The website for the Center for American Progress is www.AmericanProgress.org and their handle on BlueSky is @americanprogress.bsky.social. Lily's BlueSky handle is @lilyroberts.bsky.social. (Image Credit: Getty Images)…

Progressive Voices

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The Real Evil in “Sinners” Has Nothing to Do with Vampires | Karel Cast 25-72 30:55

6 days ago30:55

30:55

The Real Evil in “Sinners” Has Nothing to Do with Vampires | Karel Cast 25-72 ⸻ Description: I watched Sinners, and yes—it’s as good as the buzz. But the real horror? It’s not the vampires. It’s something deeper, more human, and far more terrifying. And the worst part? We let it survive. In this episode of the Karel Cast, I dig into the hidden themes of Sinners, the moral blindness we embrace, and how we reflect that same evil in real life. 📺 Plus: TV isn’t just mindless entertainment—catching up on 9-1-1 made me rethink some life choices. It’s never too late to stop making the same old mistakes, is it? 🌡️ Also: California and Nevada are roasting again—record heat, severe drought—and what are officials doing to prepare? Not much. Let’s talk about it. 👉 LIKE, comment, and SUBSCRIBE at youtube.com/reallykarel ❤️ Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel 🎙️ New episodes stream live Mon–Thurs @ 10:30AM PST across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker, and more. 📱 Follow on TikTok & Instagram: @reallykarel ⸻ Hashtags: #KarelCast, #MovieReview, #SinnersMovie, #VampireMovies, #HiddenEvil, #MoralBlindness, #TVLessons, #911onTV, #Heatwave2025, #ClimateCrisis, #NevadaNews, #CaliforniaDrought, #SocialCommentary, #CulturalCritique, #LGBTQVoices, #UnfilteredTalk, #IndependentMedia, #PodcastClip, #RealityCheck, #MediaAnalysis…

Progressive Voices

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Why Society Keeps Collapsing—And We Just Pretend It’s Fine | Karel Cast 25-71 31:12

7 days ago31:12

31:12

Why Society Keeps Collapsing—And We Just Pretend It’s Fine | Karel Cast 25-71 Description: Our world is unraveling, but we’re too busy pretending everything’s normal. In today’s Karel Cast, I break down a powerful article on hypernormalization—how we normalize the absurd and destructive just to keep functioning. Sound familiar? It should. Also: The anti-LGBTQ+ agenda continues to escalate. Where does it end? What is the ultimate goal of those targeting queer lives and rights? Plus, Trump’s latest move? Pardoning reality show felons. How much lower can it go? 👉 WATCH, like, and subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel 💬 Join the convo in the comments ❤️ Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel 🎙️ The Karel Cast streams Mon–Thurs @ 10:30AM PST on all major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and more. 📱 Follow for more on TikTok & Instagram: @reallykarel…

Progressive Voices

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Code Wack - Profits over patients - America's sickening healthcare system 16:00

7 days ago16:00

16:00

This week on CodeWACK! Medicare for All is back in the spotlight! With two new bills recently introduced in Congress, what makes these proposals different from earlier versions— and why are some advocates feeling hopeful, even in the current political climate? What would a truly public, universal health care system look like, and how could it help curb the soaring costs, corporate greed, and bureaucracy plaguing our current system? To unpack this, we spoke with Rachel Madley, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Center for Health and Democracy. A former health policy advisor to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal — lead sponsor of the House Medicare for All bill — Rachel helped shape and reintroduce the landmark legislation in 2023. She’s also a former FDA staffer and holds a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from Columbia University, where she was active in both Physicians for a National Health Program and Students for a National Health Program.…

Progressive Voices

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Why the “Big Beautiful Bill” Is a Big Fat Lie — And No One’s Talking About It 31:01

8 days ago31:01

31:01

Why the “Big Beautiful Bill” Is a Big Fat Lie — And No One’s Talking About It Description: In this episode of The Karel Cast, we dig into the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” — praised in headlines but deeply flawed beneath the surface. While the Senate nitpicks over details, no one is asking the real question: why is this bill just bad for Americans, full stop? Karel breaks down the bigger picture lawmakers ignore and why this is a pattern that keeps hurting everyday people. Next, we tackle the $750,000 budget hole at NYC Pride and the growing financial crisis facing LGBTQ+ Pride events nationwide. A recent survey shows consumers are now twice as likely to avoid brands that support Pride. Is this Trump’s fault? Not exactly. Karel has a sharper take. Finally, a little keyboard chaos: Karel got into it online with a journalist covering the Nevada Gay Rodeo. What sparked the drama? Let’s just say it involves clout-chasing, rodeos, and a whole lotta ego. 🔥 Unfiltered. Honest. Bold as ever. 🟢 Support the show: patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Watch + Subscribe: youtube.com/reallykarel 🎧 Stream anywhere: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker & more 📱 Follow on TikTok + Instagram: @reallykarel 📍 Live Mon–Thurs at 10:30am PST…

Progressive Voices

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$7 Coffee? $3 Cream? Restaurant Tries to Defend INSANE Prices — It Backfires 30:58

13 days ago30:58

30:58

$7 Coffee? $3 Cream? Restaurant Tries to Defend INSANE Prices — It Backfires Description: In today’s episode of The Karel Cast, we dive into the viral backlash against Ain’t Normal Coffee in Oakland after a reviewer called them out for charging $3 extra for a splash of half and half. The owner says it’s unfair criticism — but is it really? When coffee already costs up to $10, and a scone is $7, how much is too much? We also tackle the global double standard in media outrage: Gaza’s ongoing devastation continues, yet a single violent incident in the U.S. involving Israelis sparks international headlines. Why is one life valued over another in public discourse? Plus, let’s get personal — when someone says “I need space” in a relationship, what does that even mean? Karel shares a raw and honest take on emotional distance and what it really signals. 🔥 Tune in for bold opinions, unfiltered honesty, and the truth you’re not hearing anywhere else. 🟢 Support the show: patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Watch + Subscribe: youtube.com/reallykarel 🎧 Stream anywhere: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker & more 📱 Follow on TikTok + Instagram: @reallykarel 📍 Live Mon–Thurs at 10:30am PST…

Progressive Voices

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💀 30 Americans Die EVERY Hour From This Hidden Killer | Karel Cast Ep. 25-68 30:58

14 days ago30:58

30:58

💀 30 Americans Die EVERY Hour From This Hidden Killer | Karel Cast Ep. 25-68 You hear about cancer, heart disease, and accidents — but the #3 leading cause of death in the USA? You probably haven’t been told the full truth. ➡️ Medical errors claim 100,000 lives a year — that’s 30 people per hour. And no, these aren’t rare mistakes… they’re disturbingly common. 💔 I lost the most important person in my life to this, and 24 years later, I still don’t trust the medical system — and after this episode, you might not either. 🚀 Meanwhile, Trump wants to weaponize space with a “golden dome” of defense — but who actually owns space? And what happens when other countries respond in kind? This could trigger a dangerous new arms race above Earth. ⚖️ Plus: I want to lose weight the old-fashioned way — but is that foolish in today’s shortcut-obsessed world? 🎧 Watch & listen to The Karel Cast, now streaming everywhere — Apple, Spotify, iHeart, YouTube, TikTok, and more. 💖 Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Subscribe: YouTube.com/reallykarel…

Progressive Voices

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A Turning Point - The Fox News Presidency 5:56

14 days ago5:56

5:56

Are you handsome/pretty? Can you read a TelePrompter convincingly? Are you willing to compromise whatever personal values you might hold in exchange for fame and fortune (of course, if you’re already ideologically aligned, so much the better)? If you answered all those questions “yes,” then you too could be a part of State Television, aka Fox News. Most presidents feverishly vet their cabinet and functionaries to ensure competence and integrity. This administration has a different approach. There are only two bars to clear. First, are you loyal to Donald Trump, no matter what, and second, has he admired you on Fox News. We’ll go through the list in this short commentary. I hope you’ll listen.…

Progressive Voices

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Code Wack - Sex Ed, Medicaid, & Abortion Access: A trio of policies worth fighting for 17:00

14 days ago17:00

17:00

This week on CodeWACK! Which states have received the highest scores in the rePROs Fight Back’s 13th annual 50-state report card on sexual and reproductive health and rights released in March -- and why? And what specific threats - whether federal, state or local - should reproductive rights advocates be most concerned about? And what policies should they be promoting? To find out, we spoke with Jennie Wetter, Director of the rePROs Fight Back initiative at The Population Institute, where she champions sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice every day. Jennie also hosts the rePros Fight Back Podcast, offering deep dives into abortion access, birth control, sex ed, LGBTQ+ rights, and This is part two of a powerful two-part series with Jennie.…

Progressive Voices

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Budget Battle Reveals Most Americans Could Care Less About Other Americans 30:59

15 days ago30:59