Progressive Voices

How are young people pushing back against a potential rollback that could once again block DACA recipients, or Dreamers, and thousands of others from enrolling in Affordable Care Act coverage? And why do advocates call this potential move by the Trump administration extremely dangerous? To find out, we spoke with Kristin McGuire, Executive Director of Young Invincibles, the nation’s largest young adult policy and advocacy organization. Kristin leads efforts to elevate the voices of young adults in the political process and expand their access to economic opportunity. This is the second episode in our 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.

📢 PROOF Congress REFUSES To Do Their Job | Karel Cast Ep. 25-86 Description: 🚨 Congress had one job — and they blew it. In this explosive episode of The Karel Cast, Karel breaks down how over 129 Democrats joined Republicans to block articles of impeachment against Donald Trump, despite his blatant violations of the law — including launching unauthorized military strikes on Iran. Only 69 brave lawmakers (including AOC and Bernie Sanders) stood up and said “enough.” So what does this say about Democratic cowardice, accountability, and the future of American democracy? 🧨 Plus: A Democratic Socialist Muslim wins the Democratic Primary for NYC Mayor — a powerful sign of political change or just a blip? 🔥 You follow rules or you’re fired. Why doesn’t Congress? 🎙️ Watch now, get outraged, and stay informed. Like, subscribe, and support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel 📲 Stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker and more. 📺 Follow on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram @reallykarel 🐾 Live from Las Vegas with Karel and Ember, Mon–Thurs at 10:30am PST. ⸻ Hashtags: #CongressFail, #ImpeachTrump, #KarelCast, #PoliticalCorruption, #Democrats, #BernieSanders, #AOC, #ProgressiveVoices, #AccountabilityNow, #IranStrike, #DJT, #Midterms2025, #BlueCowards, #NYCPolitics, #SocialistMayor, #MuslimCandidates, #DoYourJob, #LGBTQVoices, #NewsCommentary,

Is America Beating the Empathy Out of Us? | Karel Cast Ep. 25-25 Description: Trump announces a ceasefire that lasts just 12 minutes and then unleashes a profanity-laced rant—why don’t I care? Another promise broken by Trump and his loyalists—why doesn’t it faze me? LGBTQ suicide prevention services are defunded—this should devastate me… but it doesn’t stick. And when record-breaking heat slams the U.S., I don’t even blink. From absurd headlines to real tragedies, I’m asking the big question: Is America beating the empathy out of us? In today’s Karel Cast, I dig into why emotional burnout is becoming the norm and whether it’s okay to prioritize your dog, your friends, and your survival over everything else. Is it apathy? Or is it self-preservation in a country gone mad? ⚡ Watch, like, subscribe and support at patreon.com/reallykarel 🎙️ Stream everywhere: Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker and more 📺 Catch video clips on TikTok and Instagram @reallykarel 🐾 Broadcasting live Mon–Thurs 10:30am PST from Las Vegas with my girl Ember #Hashtags: #KarelCast, #EmotionalBurnout, #EmpathyCrisis, #TrumpNews, #LGBTQRights, #MentalHealthMatters, #ClimateChange, #PoliticalFatigue, #NewsCommentary, #ApathyOrSurvival, #QueerVoices, #ProgressiveMedia, #PodcastLife, #LasVegasLife, #DogDad, #CultureCritic, #LGBTQPodcast, #CurrentEvents, #KarelAndEmber, #NewsFatigue https://youtube.com/live/LYZ0cRBw5a8

🚨 An Illegitimate President Just Started an Illegal War | Karel Cast Ep. 25-84 This weekend, Donald Trump launched airstrikes against a nation that hasn’t attacked us, hasn’t threatened us, and reportedly has no nuclear capabilities — all without congressional approval, UN support, or public discussion. 🇺🇸 Why? To continue acting as Israel’s proxy, spending $250 million of our taxpayer money to escalate a war no one asked for — and no one fully understands. And yet, the media barely flinched. No outcry. No protest. Just more war… while the American people foot the bill and wait for the fallout. 🎵 Also in this episode: A personal reflection on self-doubt, creativity, and why so many of us struggle to feel “enough” — even when we are. Especially after recording a new song, I found myself wrestling with that voice. Do you? This is The Karel Cast — unfiltered, fearless, and unapologetically honest. 📺 Subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel 💖 Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel 🎙️ Stream on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, and more 📱 Follow on TikTok & Instagram: @reallykarel

Leslie is joined by Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), a partnership established by some of America’s leading manufacturers and the United Steelworkers union. The two discuss: 1. The Wall Street Journal recently documented the stark disparity between China and America’s military-industrial strength in a series of graphs. The results are downright alarming, especially as geopolitical tensions flare. The data illustrate the urgent need for the United States to take action to revitalize our domestic shipbuilding industry. 2. With tariffs coming into force, Made in the USA marketing is surging. U.S. consumers are rejiggering their purchasing habits, as evidenced by a boom in “Made in USA” searches on e-commerce sites, and companies are more than happy to tout their “Made in USA” commitments. (From Modern Retail: “Amazon searches for the phrase shot up to 126,000 from 26,000 in the past 30 days — nearly five times the previous period.”) 3. The state of our infrastructure and energy grid is dire. It’s a crisis that creates another obstacle to U.S. manufacturing’s renaissance and America’s competitiveness. 4. This time, the China Shock is global in nature. Beijing is flooding the world’s markets with its industrial overcapacity across all categories, and job losses and bankruptcies are trailing the imports. WEBSITE: AmericanManufacturing.org YouTube Channel: 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) X: 1. AAM - @KeepItMadeInUSA 2. Scott Paul - @ScottPaulAAM BlueSky: @keepitmadeinusa.bsky.social

💊 America’s Obsession With Quick Fixes Is Killing Us | Karel Cast Ep. 25-83 Why do Americans want pills instead of accountability? From PrEP therapy to weight-loss injections, we’ve become a culture obsessed with instant results and zero responsibility. Safe sex? Too much work. Exercise? Forget it. We want a pharmaceutical solution for everything — even when lifestyle changes could actually solve the problem. But it doesn’t stop with health. ⚠️ Is the Iran conflict just a distraction from what’s happening in Gaza and Ukraine? 🎬 And what’s with the weekend movie slate? Superman again? Jurassic World again? Why can’t Hollywood tell a new story? In this fiery episode of The Karel Cast, we break down America’s addiction to the quick fix — in health, politics, and pop culture. 📺 Watch, Subscribe, and Share 💖 Support at patreon.com/reallykarel 🎙️ Streaming everywhere, Mon–Thurs 10:30am PT 📱 TikTok & Instagram: @reallykarel 🔔 youtube.com/reallykarel ⸻ #KarelCast, #QuickFixCulture, #AmericanHealthCrisis, #PrEPDebate, #ObesitySolutions, #OzempicCulture, #SafeSexMatters, #GazaCrisis, #UkraineWar, #IranDistraction, #WagTheDog, #HollywoodRemakes, #SupermanAgain, #JurassicReboot, #ProgressiveVoices, #PoliticalCommentary, #LGBTQPodcast, #LasVegasPodcaster, #DailyNewsPodcast, #TikTokPolitics https://youtube.com/live/RxcYtiHYZqI

📺 Commercials Reveal Everything Broken in Our Society | Karel Cast Ep. 25-82 Ever sit through streaming commercials and feel something’s… off? From fast food pushed at midnight to Big Pharma pitching miracle pills with deadly side effects, today’s ads say more about our society than the shows themselves. Why are we bombarded with: • 🍔 Food we shouldn’t eat • 💊 Drugs with horrific side effects • 🎬 Movies with recycled plots and hollow messages • 🚗 Cars we can’t afford but are told we need? Advertising doesn’t just sell products—it shapes culture, values, and even our self-worth. And what it’s telling us? Isn’t good. Plus: Same region, same headlines. Why I’ve tuned out the never-ending cycle of Middle East conflict. ✨ Time to break free from what they want you to believe. This is The Karel Cast—where critical thinking isn’t just encouraged, it’s required. 📺 youtube.com/reallykarel 💖 Support the show: patreon.com/reallykarel 📱 TikTok & Instagram: @reallykarel 🎙️ Streaming on all platforms, Mon–Thurs 10:30am PT ⸻ #KarelCast, #MediaCritique, #StreamingAds, #CulturalDecline, #PharmaGreed, #ConsumerCulture, #FastFoodNation, #MiddleEastFatigue, #AdPsychology, #AmericanValues, #PodcastHost, #ProgressiveVoices, #QueerMedia, #SocialCommentary, #CriticalThinking, #YouTubePodcast, #LasVegasPodcaster, #DailyNewsPodcast, #TikTokPolitics, #LGBTQVoices https://youtube.com/live/XGMrYLDi_IQ

HIS WEEK ON CODE WACK! As federal officials carry out large-scale, military-style raids and widespread arrests of undocumented immigrants, another fight is quietly brewing — one that could push thousands of people off their health insurance. More than half a million young people who were brought to the U.S. as children and grew up here could soon lose eligibility for affordable and subsidized health coverage. A new rule proposed by the Trump Administration would once again block DACA recipients from buying Marketplace insurance or receiving financial assistance. What would this mean for their health, their communities and the widening gap in health and economic equity? To find out, we spoke with Kristin McGuire, Executive Director of Young Invincibles — the nation’s largest young adult policy and advocacy organization — where she leads the charge to amplify the voices of young adults in the political process. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.

🌍 Why the World Feels Like It’s Falling Apart | Karel Cast Ep. 25-81 Genocide in Gaza. War in Ukraine. Trump’s relentless assault on immigrants, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. Climate collapse accelerating. Sky-high food prices. Corporate bigotry from brands like Target, the Dodgers, and Home Depot. It feels like the world is unraveling—but why? Why do the same crises keep coming back, generation after generation, with no real solutions? In this powerful episode of The Karel Cast, we break down the root cause of today’s chaos. Spoiler: it’s been with us since the beginning of civilization.a ✊ If you’ve felt overwhelmed, angry, or just plain confused by the state of things—this one’s for you. 🕊️ Watch, Subscribe, and Share 💡 Support at patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 youtube.com/reallykarel 📱 TikTok & Instagram: @reallykarel ⸻ #KarelCast, #MiddleEastCrisis, #GazaGenocide, #UkraineWar, #TrumpHate, #LGBTQRights, #TransRightsAreHumanRights, #ClimateCrisis, #EconomicCollapse, #PoliticalPodcast, #ProgressiveVoices, #QueerCommentary, #BlackAndBrownLivesMatter, #AntiFascist, #CorporateBigotry, #NoJusticeNoPeace, #ActivistVoices, #DailyNewsPodcast, #YouTubeNews, #KarelLive

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 Charlie Cook, Founder of 'the Cook Political Report,' to talk about ten years of Trump in politics. This includes how he completely changed the Republican party's identity, and what might happen to the GOP once Trump is no longer President. Then, Kim Scott, Publisher of 'Dem List,' previews the NYC Mayoral primary election. She also details the upcoming Governors' races in Virginia and New Jersey, which tend to be a bellwether for the following year's midterm elections in Congress. Kim Scott's 'Demlist' is a free national daily political column, calendar and resource site for Democrats and allies - a unique, central source that connects people to the who, what and where of Democratic events, issues and activism. You can find out more about them at DemList.com and follow them on BlueSky at the handle @demlist.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.

🔥 War & Protest Explode Across the Globe | Karel Cast Ep. 25-80 A full-scale war between Israel and Iran has erupted, escalating the Middle East crisis to new and dangerous levels. Is this a necessary defense or Netanyahu’s strategy to erase all opposition? And is Gaza now completely forgotten as aid stalls and the world watches elsewhere? Meanwhile, across the U.S., millions march in “No Kings” rallies, demanding a return to community, equality, and justice. But will these protests move the needle—or are we screaming into the void? Also in this episode: 💥 Democratic lawmakers attacked in a vicious shooting—imagine the outrage if they were MAGA. 📺 Why The Diplomat might be the best show on TV right now—and what it says about our real-life diplomacy. 👑 Truth. Perspective. Attitude. This is The Karel Cast—streaming live Monday through Thursday at 10:30am PST. ✅ Like, Share, and Subscribe 🎙️ Hear it everywhere you get podcasts 💖 Support at patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 youtube.com/reallykarel 📱 Follow on TikTok & Instagram @reallykarel ⸻ #KarelCast, #IsraelIranConflict, #MiddleEastWar, #Netanyahu, #NoKings, #ProtestsUSA, #LGBTQVoices, #DemocracyInCrisis, #GazaCrisis, #TheDiplomat, #NetflixReviews, #PoliticalPodcast, #ProgressiveVoices, #QueerCommentary, #PodcastHost, #DailyNewsPodcast, #YouTubeNews, #MAGA, #USPolitics, #KarelLive https://youtube.com/live/aBOFC-eZFr4

In a United States where the presidential administration is comfortable arresting sitting members of Congress and tackling sitting senators who dare ask a question at a press conference, and where they’ve called the military into the streets against American citizens, it’s hard to believe anything more can happen, but you may rest assured it will. Today’s commentary deals specifically with the ongoing ICE raids. This is important. We must all stand together, or we will surely hang separately. Until January, this was all unthinkable, but here we are. Give a listen and get ready to exercise your Constitutional right to speak and assemble.

🚨 War With Iran? LA ICE Raids Distract From Dangerous Moves | Karel Cast Ep. 25-79 As all eyes lock on Los Angeles and the chaos surrounding ICE raids, something far more dangerous brews behind the scenes. The U.S. is quietly evacuating embassies in Iran — a classic signal that conflict may be imminent. Are we watching a modern Wag the Dog scenario play out while the media diverts our attention? Also in this episode: ✈️ A chilling air disaster kills 243 — but one person survives. Is it fate…or something stranger? 🕒 Would you install an app that predicts your death date? I did. And I’ll tell you what it said. 🔥 Don’t miss a minute of this jam-packed Karel Cast. Hit Subscribe, share, and support at patreon.com/reallykarel. 📺 Watch every episode at youtube.com/reallykarel 🎙️ Listen wherever you get podcasts — Apple, Spotify, iHeart, and more 📱 Follow Karel on TikTok and Instagram for daily insights

🚨 War With Iran? LA ICE Raids Distract From Dangerous Moves | Karel Cast Ep. 25-79 As all eyes lock on Los Angeles and the chaos surrounding ICE raids, something far more dangerous brews behind the scenes. The U.S. is quietly evacuating embassies in Iran — a classic signal that conflict may be imminent. Are we watching a modern Wag the Dog scenario play out while the media diverts our attention? Also in this episode: ✈️ A chilling air disaster kills 243 — but one person survives. Is it fate…or something stranger? 🕒 Would you install an app that predicts your death date? I did. And I’ll tell you what it said. 🔥 Don’t miss a minute of this jam-packed Karel Cast. Hit Subscribe, share, and support at patreon.com/reallykarel. 📺 Watch every episode at youtube.com/reallykarel 🎙️ Listen wherever you get podcasts — Apple, Spotify, iHeart, and more 📱 Follow Karel on TikTok and Instagram for daily insights ⸻ #KarelCast, #IranNews, #LAProtests, #ICERaids, #USIranTensions, #FinalDestination, #DeathApp, #PoliticalDistraction, #WagTheDog, #BreakingNews, #EmbassyEvacuation, #MiddleEastConflict, #PodcastHost, #ProgressivePodcast, #YouTubeNews, #LasVegasPodcaster, #GayBroadcaster, #QueerVoices, #TikTokNews, #DailyPodcast

How are big insurance companies dodging the very rules meant to protect patients — and turning our health care system into a profit machine for Wall Street? What can we the people do to stop it? Join us as we dive into the dark side of corporate loopholes, for-profit health care, and policy failure with Rachel Madley, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Center for Health and Democracy. A former FDA staffer and health policy advisor to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Rachel played a key role in crafting and reintroducing the House Medicare for All bill in 2023. With a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from Columbia University, she brings both scientific rigor and firsthand policy experience to this eye-opening conversation. 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.

How are big insurance companies dodging the very rules meant to protect patients — and turning our health care system into a profit machine for Wall Street? What can we the people do to stop it? Join us as we dive into the dark side of corporate loopholes, for-profit health care, and policy failure with Rachel Madley, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Center for Health and Democracy. A former FDA staffer and health policy advisor to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Rachel played a key role in crafting and reintroducing the House Medicare for All bill in 2023. With a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from Columbia University, she brings both scientific rigor and firsthand policy experience to this eye-opening conversation.

🔴 Trump’s Real Plan for Power EXPOSED | Karel Cast Ep. 25-78 Donald Trump isn’t focused on fixing immigration — he had four years to do that and did nothing. So what is his endgame? It’s all about one thing: Power. In this episode, I lay out exactly how Trump plans to hold onto power — and why we should all be paying attention. PLUS: Is it wrong to focus on joy and positivity in a world filled with political chaos and daily trauma? We explore the idea of choosing happiness without becoming blind to reality — and whether that’s a form of “hypernormalization.” 🎙️ The Karel Cast is LIVE Mon–Thurs at 10:30am PST and available everywhere: Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker, TikTok, Instagram — and always at youtube.com/reallykarel. 💖 Support the show: patreon.com/reallykarel ⸻ Hashtags: #Trump2024, #DonaldTrump, #ImmigrationCrisis, #TrumpPowerPlay, #PoliticsExplained, #KarelCast, #AmericanPolitics, #Hypernormalization, #JoyInChaos, #CurrentEvents, #GOP2024, #MAGAUnmasked, #NewsAnalysis, #PoliticalCommentary, #ProgressiveMedia, #WhatMattersNow, #Election2024, #ConsciousMedia, #LasVegasPodcaster, #LGBTQVoices

Gavin vs Trump: Why Newsom Stands Alone Against MAGA Madness | Karel Cast 25-78 Description: Why is Gavin Newsom the only one standing up to Trump and the MAGA machine? Today, House Speaker Mike Johnson invoked a vile image—saying Newsom should be “tarred and feathered,” a punishment once used on runaway slaves. The attack is more than words—it’s a dangerous escalation. As Trump’s authoritarian grip tightens, where is the resistance? Why does it feel like Newsom is fighting alone while the rest of the country spirals into chaos under MAGA control? In this episode of the Karel Cast, we break down: • The disturbing language from GOP leaders • Why Newsom’s defiance matters more than ever • How Trumpism continues to fail Americans: rising costs, broken systems, and growing division • And most importantly—why we must ask: Where is everyone else? 🟠 Support the show: https://patreon.com/reallykarel 🔴 Subscribe: https://youtube.com/reallykarel 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and everywhere you stream. 📱 Follow Karel on TikTok & Instagram for daily clips. 🎙 Live Mon–Thurs at 10:30am PST Karel is a trailblazing broadcaster based in Las Vegas with his loyal service pup Ember. ⸻ Hashtags: #GavinNewsom, #DonaldTrump, #MAGA, #MikeJohnson, #TarredAndFeathered, #KingTrump, #AmericanPolitics, #KarelCast, #NewsomVsTrump, #StopMAGA, #Authoritarianism, #PoliticalCommentary, #TrumpIndictments, #GOPExtremism, #LasVegasMedia, #ProgressiveVoices, #YouTubePolitics, #LGBTQVoices, #CurrentEvents2025, #NewsAnalysis

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.) gives the latest updates on the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. He also discusses President Trump having tanks roll into Washington D.C. for the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army (but also for his own birthday, which is the same day as the parade). Finally, the two discuss the Trump administration siccing 2,000 National Guard troops on protesters who were demonstrating against the administration's deportation tactics. Then, Brad is joined by Tara Devlin, the host of the podcast, 'TARABUSTER.' The two discuss the meltdown between President Trump and Elon Musk, as well as how the mainstream media now seems to cover Billionaires like the third branch of Government. They also discuss the Trump administration siccing 2,000 National Guard troops on protesters who were demonstrating against the administration's deportation tactics. 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. Tara Devlin is a New York City based comedian, writer, and host of the unapologetically-liberal podcast "TARABUSTER.” Tarabuster is 5-star viewer-reviewed and 100% viewer-supported. Help keep the REAL liberal media going – and growing – by becoming a Patron of Tarabuster at Patreon.com/TaraDevlin. You can follow Tara on BlueSky at @tarabuster.bsky.social and on Instagram at @Taradackty. 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.

Trump Wages War With California Uses Troops As Personal Army | Karel Cast 25-77 Donald Trump has activated the National Guard under a rarely-used Title X order—and he’s sending them into California, targeting Governor Newsom in what many are calling a personal war disguised as immigration enforcement. This alarming move mirrors the darkest chapters of history, echoing tactics used in 1930s Germany. Is this the beginning of a constitutional crisis? Is Trump creating his own private army to cement power and secure a third term? Also in this episode: the influencer world turns deadly on the Las Vegas Strip—violence caught on camera, clout-chasing gone too far. 👊 Join the conversation that pulls no punches. 🎙️ The Karel Cast is live Mon–Thurs at 10:30am PST. 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Spreaker & more. 📱 Follow on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube: @reallykarel 🙏 Support independent media: patreon.com/reallykarel