Progressive Voices

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

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 joined by the White House Correspondent for CQ Roll Call, John Bennett. The pair discusses President Trump's struggles to distance himself from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal that has overtaken the political world, and the put the GOP on defense. They also discuss the humanitarian crisis happening in Gaza, as well as the Trump's attacks on the indepence of the Federal Reserve and its Chairman, Jerome Powell (who Trump appointed during his first administration). Then, Brad is joined by Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, an Immigration Attorney and Advocate. The two discuss the Trump administration's family separation policies and the militarization of ICE. Kate also tells the powerful story that led her to want to help vulnerable immigrants and their families. The website for CQ Roll Call is www.RollCall.com and John's handle on X is @BennettJohnT. Kate is also the Owner and CEO of Lincoln-Goldfinch Law and their website is www.LincolnGoldfinch.com. Kate's handle is @AttorneyKLG on X, @attorneykatelg on Instagram, and @abogadakate on TikTok. 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.

ChatGPT Calls Out Trump’s Hypocrisy on AI—Plus Laverne Cox Backlash Explained | Karel Cast 25-104 Trump just signed an executive order demanding AI developers pledge not to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, or LGBTQ+ rights. So I asked ChatGPT what it thinks—and the response was eye-opening, and ironically damning. Plus, Emmy-nominated trans actress Laverne Cox is under fire from her own fanbase after revealing she dated a younger, blonde MAGA-supporting cop. Is the backlash fair? Or does it reveal deeper divides in the LGBTQ+ community? 🎧 Uncensored, unfiltered, unhinged—it’s The Karel Cast. Watch full episodes on youtube.com/reallykarel ❤️ Like, subscribe, and comment to support independent media. #TrumpAIOrder, #ChatGPTResponse, #DEI, #LGBTQRights, #FreeSpeech, #LaverneCox, #TransVoices, #DatingPolitics, #WokeAI, #PoliticalIrony, #ExecutiveOrder, #MAGA, #KarelCast, #ProgressiveMedia, #PodcastClip, #AIethics, #TechNews, #QueerVoices, #WatchKarelCast, #LikeAndSubscribe https://youtube.com/live/UhnFBg4oCHI

IN TODAY'S RADIO REPORT: A healthy environment is a human right, U.N. world court says in landmark climate ruling; Trump Administration working overtime to Make America Polluted Again; Climate-intensified extreme weather is driving up food prices around the world; PLUS: New U.N. analyses find booming clean, renewable energy has hit a global tipping point... All that and more in today's Green News Report!

What happens when doctors feel forced to act against their own moral compass? When financial barriers—not clinical judgment—determine the care a patient receives? We’re talking about moral injury in medicine—how it’s affecting physicians, harming patients, and why it’s getting worse under our profit-driven healthcare system. Joining us is Dr. Diljeet Singh, an integrative gynecologic oncologist and president of Physicians for a National Health Program. She shares powerful stories from her own practice—and from the front lines of American healthcare—that reveal a deeper crisis than just burnout. This is the first 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.

The depths to which our country’s leadership has sunk is astounding. Now, we come to find the Secretary of Defense has pulled a Trump-appointed, Senate-approved Admiral who was about to take command of the 7th Fleet. He is a beloved leader, roundly thought to be best leader in the navy today, but he couldn’t pass the ideology test imposed by the SECDEF. I hope you’ll listen as we briefly explore elevation of ideology over merit and competence.

The Truth Is Simple. The Problems Aren’t. | Karel Cast 25-103 We keep acting like these crises are too complicated to solve—but they’re not. People in Gaza are starving? Feed them. Trump hiding in Epstein’s files? Assume it, act on it. Climate change? Cut meat, ditch fossil fuels, now. ICE doing illegal raids? Law enforcement, shut it down. It’s not complex—it’s corruption, politics, and profits that get in the way. Karel lays it out: straight talk, no spin. Because sometimes the clearest path is the one we keep refusing to take. 💥 Uncensored. Unfiltered. Unhinged. It’s the Karel Cast. 📲 Watch now on YouTube at youtube.com/reallykarel 🎧 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, iHeart, and all major platforms. ❤️ Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel #GazaCrisis, #ClimateActionNow, #TrumpEpstein, #ICEraids, #HumanRights, #TheKarelCast, #ProgressiveVoices, #UnfilteredNews, #PodcastLife, #LGBTQVoices, #Palestine, #EpsteinFiles, #VeganForThePlanet, #EndFossilFuels, #FeedTheHungry, #AmericanPolitics, #JusticeForAll, #DemocracyWatch, #RealTalk, #LikeAndSubscribe ⸻ https://youtube.com/live/DJN0GMEA_6o

📉 Why American Democracy Is Failing | Karel Cast Ep. 25-102 American democracy is crumbling — and our Founding Fathers warned us this would happen if we ever stopped prioritizing education and civic knowledge. Jefferson, Washington, and others believed an informed populace was essential to protect our freedoms. Yet today, education is under attack — especially from the GOP — and the consequences are devastating. In this explosive episode of The Karel Cast, we ask: What happens when ignorance becomes policy? Why is the Department of Education constantly under fire? And how does this erosion of knowledge tie into the broader decay of American values? Plus: The Gaza hunger crisis intensifies, and the global response remains shamefully silent. If starvation is man-made, then so is the solution — so why aren’t world powers stepping up? 💥 Bold. Unfiltered. Honest. It’s The Karel Cast. New episodes Monday–Thursday, streaming everywhere. 📌 Support independent media at https://patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Subscribe and comment at https://youtube.com/reallykarel 🎧 Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and more. #AmericanDemocracy, #EducationMatters, #CivicDecline, #Jefferson, #Washington, #GOP, #GazaCrisis, #StarvationIsManMade, #PoliticalPodcast, #KarelCast, #IndependentMedia, #CivilRights, #TruthToPower, #TikTokPolitics, #CurrentEvents, #ProgressiveVoices, #EducationCrisis, #HumanitarianAid, #Gaza, #StopTheSilence

Leslie is joined by Jim Savage, Legislative Representative for the United Steelworkers (USW). The two discuss how the U.S. Dept. of Veterans' Affairs has been understaffed and underfunded for decades, often proving to be a barrier to those who served getting the care they need. However, rather than bolstering this vital lifeline, early on in the Trump administration, amid brutal cuts to a number of federal agencies, it announced that it would eliminate approximately 83,000 positions at the VA. While this was part of a larger effort to gut the federal government in the name of efficiency, as in other areas, there was nothing targeted or strategic about these cuts. Jim explains how the USW and their "Veterans of Steel" group is not only fighting these cuts, but working across the political aisle to promote common sense legislation to further help U.S. military veterans. 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. Jim's handle on Blue Sky is @savageusw.bsky.social.

America: When Did We Stop Having Standards? | Karel Cast 25-101 Has America lost its standards? From disposable products and low-quality fashion to the normalization of rude online behavior and trash politicians, it seems like we’re spiraling into mediocrity. Stephen Colbert fires back at Trump—was it warranted or crossing a line? Is the decline of decorum now the norm? And what about Mexico blaming U.S. expats for housing prices—who’s really at fault? We dive into all this and more on today’s episode of The Karel Cast. 🧠 Uncensored, Unfiltered, Unhinged. 🎙️ Watch The Karel Cast Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PST on YouTube and all major streaming platforms. 💥 Support independent media at: patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Subscribe: youtube.com/reallykarel 📍 Follow on TikTok and Instagram #KarelCast, #AmericanStandards, #StephenColbert, #DonaldTrump, #MediaEthics, #SocialMediaRant, #Temu, #Shein, #DisposableCulture, #MexicoGentrification, #HousingCrisis, #QualityMatters, #ColbertVsTrump, #JohnnyCarson, #PoliticalCommentary, #YouTubePodcast, #IndependentVoices, #ProgressivePodcast, #DailyNewsShow, #CultureDecline https://youtube.com/live/WsvAs2DtZNo