Lush Left Podcast

We discuss her book, “Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump”, origins of Roger Stone's “stop the steal” movement, aesthetics of authoritarianism and more

Kay Richae is a leading speaker on spirituality, personal growth, her Divine Feminine Specialist Method and more. She's a sought-after coach who has worked with CEOs, celebrities because she's so incredibly inspiring. We discuss Black Lives Matter, the uprisings that have sprung up around the country and the world and more.

Tom Gagliano is a high profile leader in addiction and self-help. Author of the bestselling book, "The Problem Was Me" == Tom is a regular of several shows including, John Fugalsang and many more. We are all going through an intense time right now and relationships can be strained. Tom has incredible insight and gives guidance that can be applied to all our relationships!

Host of the Start Me Up podcast, Kimberley Johnson returns! We are talking the democratic primary and more. Kimberley is the author of "Peyton's Choice", "The Virgin Diaries" -- she also she has bylines in Huffington Post and more. Go to Kimberley's Patreon: patreon.com/startmeup -- amazing regular content!

Dr. Jamie Goodhall, staff historian historian at the Center for Military History in Washington, D.C. and author of the upcoming "Pirates of the Chesapeake Bay: From the Colonial Era to the Oyster Wars" I am joined by Austin Yenney, former policy chair of Florida Young Democrats and Austin also ran the Young Dems blog. We discuss Dr. Goodhall's new book on pirates. This is a fascination topic and really worth a listen! Book is released February 2020 (this month!)

I had a fantastic conversation with Hector Oseguera, democratic candidate running in New Jersey's 8th congressional district. Hector, an attorney, is truly a progressive champion. Fighting for fair housing, Green New Deal,, Medicare For All and more! Primaries matter and in this district, Hector has a real shot! Support: oseguera2020.com

Jamia Wilson is a feminist activist, writer and speaker. As director of the Feminist Press at the City University of New York and the former VP at programs at the Women's Media center, Jamia is incredibly inspiring. Her work at appeared in numerous outlets, including The New York Times, the Today Show, CNN, Elle and more. A fantastic conversation about women's empowerment and so much more!

I had an important discussion with writer and professor of the amazing memior, "Goodbye Sweet Girl: A Story of Domestic Violence and Survival", Kelly Sundberg Kelly bravely tells her story in this extraordinary book. We must talk about domestic violence more, not less. Kelly is an inspiration and her book is vital: https://www.amazon.com/Goodbye-Sweet-Girl-Domestic-Violence/dp/0062497677

Returning guest, Heather Parton of Salon (aka Digby!) and I had a fantastic conversation regarding all-things impeachment, the players, debunking the Politico/Ken Vogel piece the GOP keep trotting out, the obvious criminality and the Dem primary! Heather has been writing since 2002 -- check out her blog: https://digbysblog.blogspot.com/

I sat down with Democratic candidate, Arati Kreibich. She is running in New Jersey's 5th Congressional District. A neuroscientist, she was inspired to run against Josh Gottheimer and wants to bring a truly progressive agenda to the district and congress! With a bold, progressive platform, Medicare For All, The Green New Deal, Wall Street reform -- these are just a few of the issues she will fight for -- Arati's campaign so important. Get inspired and as I always say: PRIMARIES MATTER! Get involved in Arati's campaign: https://www.aratiforcongress.com/

Director, writer and producer of the incredible documentary, "The Brainwashing of My Dad", Jen Senko returns! To understand the rise of Fox News, right-wing commentators like Rush Limbaugh, Tucker Carlson and the RW propaganda machine, Jen's film is truly a must-watch. In this episode we discuss how Fox and all affiliated are spinning the impeachment inquiry, Trump's daily insanity and so much more! Check out her vital film: https://www.thebrainwashingofmydad.com/

I sat down with the amazing, Christine Clarke. She's an environmental advocate, mother of four, progressive running for State Assembly to represent LD26 in NJ! Get in inspired and listen to what made Christine decide to run, the issues facing NJ and more -- the election is November 5th! Support -- https://www.clarkeforassembly.com/

Back on Lush Left Media, I sit down with the amazing photojournalist and host of America Speaks podcast, Tish Lampert! We discuss her new book, "We Protest" coming out March 2020. Tish is incredibly inspiring, has photographed everyone and some of the most important events for decades. Tish will inspire you!

I sat down with Lindsay Beyerstein, award-winning documentary filmmaker, investigative journalist and host of The Breach podcast! We go over season 4 of The Breach, women struggling with incarceration, addiction, "Wellness court" and how hard it is for women dealing with these issues -- mothers in particular -- to get back on their feet. This is an amazing podcast and Lindsay and I had a fantastic conversation. Check out her vital show: https://rewire.news/multimedia/podcast/the-breach-season-4-montana-e2/

The race for the Democratic primary is on! I sat down with Alex Thompson, reporter for Politico, covering the left and Elizabeth Warren. We discuss the Dem primary, Warren and more! Check out Alex's fantastic piece, "Why Are Your Pissing In Our Face: Inside Warren's War With the Obama Team": https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2019/09/12/warren-obama-2020-228068

Back from vacation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nicole Hobbs, founder and Sr. Director of Every District. We talk about what inspired her to take this project on, the importance of state leg seats (state level matters!), how Every District is working with candidates on the state level, how they vet and endorse and more! In this era of Trump, the local and state level matter more than ever and it's vital to canvass and vote! Go to Every District -- everydistrict.us

I had the honor to chat with senior director of outreach and partner engagement of People For The American Way, Diallo Brooks. PFAW is a vital organization that has been committed for over three decades to fight right-wing extremism, and defend constitutional values under attack. In this age of Trump, outside groups like PFAW are more important than ever. Diallo and I discuss the importance of voting, how PFAW helps people plug into activism and so much more!

I had the honor of chatting with investigative reporter of Right Wing Watch, Jared Holt. We discussed the far right-wing, the alt-right, how they recruit, and much more. In this age of Trump, it is especially important that we have reporters educating the public on the activities of RW extremism. Check out his piece regarding the neo-confederate League of the South far RW organization: http://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/league-of-the-souths-arkansas-chairman-tim-knowles/

I sat down with author, Kimberley Johnson (author of "Peyton's Choice" and "Virgin Diaries", Huffington Post and more). Kimberley is also the Director of Media and Public Relations spokesperson for the national advocacy group "We Are Woman". We had a fantastic conversation regarding her piece, "Women And Women of Color Will Decide 2020 -- Not Never Trumpers" (https://www.patreon.com/posts/women-and-women-28055264 ) -- we talk about Warren, Harris, coming together for the 2020 election and much more!

I was honored to sit down with Ryan Grim of The Intercept (previously, Huffington Post) to discuss his new book, "We've Got People -- From James Jackson to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the End of Big Money and the Rise of a Movement" We also discuss the DCCC, moderates in congress like, Josh Gottheimer, the Democratic Party and more!

Part 2 of my fabulous conversation with one of the best experts on right-wing extremism, David Neiwert! David is the author of several books, including, "Alt-America: The Rise of the Radical Right in the Age of Trump". He is a staff writer for Daily Kos, a contributor to Southern Poverty Law Center and his work can be found in many media outlets. In this episode, we are discussing Silicon Valley, the consequences, far RW extremists using and exploiting these platforms, fascism, social media, the libertarian ideology with these social networks, Stormfront and more.

The fabulous Driftglass returns to Lush Left Media! We are talking about the GOP,the abortion bans happening, and so much more. Driftglass is a longtime blogger and the co-host of one of the best podcasts out there, "The Professional Left"

Expert and longtime journalist on the far RW, David Neiwert returns for this informative two-part interview. We discuss Milo, Tucker Carlson, de-platforming and so much more! So much to discuss, stay tuned for part two of this fascinating discussion. David is the author of several books, including "Alt America: The Rise of the Radical Right in the Age of Trump". He is also a regular writer for Daily Kos, contributor to the Southern Poverty Law Center and bylines in many other outlets.

The fabulous Helaine Olen of The Washington Post returns to the program. We discuss her op-ed, "Alabama’s abortion ban doesn’t promote life. It exhibits contempt for it." (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/05/16/alabamas-abortion-ban-doesnt-promote-life-it-exhibits-contempt-it/?utm_term=.0c2972ec42ef ) -- the GOP and the well=organized plans to overturn Roe, starting at the state level, the draconian measures taking place and the very real war on women's rights and much more.

I was honored to sit down with worker and immigrant activist and writer, Patricia Campos Medina. We discuss activism, engaging in local politics, inside/outside strategy, pushing NJ in a progressive direction! Get inspired and check out Patricia's work: https://www.insidernj.com/progressive-voters-driving-change-politics/?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=socialnetwork

I had the honor of speaking with longtime blogger and co-host of "The Professional Left" podcast, Driftglass! We talk all things Trump, democratic party politics and so much more! The show he co-hosts with his wife, Blue Gal is truly one of the best -- listen and support! http://professionalleft.blogspot.com/

Returning to Lush Left podcast, I sit down with blogger, Mike of mike the mad biologist blog (such fantastic blog, it's been around since 2004! link: https://mikethemadbiologist.com/ -- subscribe! You get an email alert when Mike posts a new entry and he writes daily!) In this conversation, we are talking about the Democratic primary. Warren, Biden, the Democratic Party of the 70s -- onward and much more.

Author and journalist, Alexander Reid-Ross returns to Lush Left! We discussed his latest piece in Haaretz, "Steve Bannon's Fascist Far Right Christian Army Is Marching on Liberal Europe -- and on the Pope" https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/.premium-bannon-s-far-right-christian-army-is-marching-on-liberal-europe-and-on-the-pope-1.7151097 Bannon is cynically exploiting the divisions in the Catholic church to recruit people in his extremist far Right Wing agenda. A must-listen!

I sat down with reporter, Andy Kopsa (The Guardian, The Nation, The Atlantic, Foreign Policy, New York Times, to name a few outlets). NY based reporter originally form Iowa, we discuss the Democratic primary, don't rely on the polls, sensible gun reform, Iowa and much more!

Mary Angela Perna sat down with the amazing, JD Scholten! JD ran against Steve King in IA-03 and now writes for various outlets (The Hill, USA Today, Washington Post, Des Moines Register and more!) We discussed the Democratic Primary, his piece in The Hill, "Democrats still need rural voters to defeat Trump" (https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/436652-democrats-still-need-rural-voters-to-defeat-trump ), his organization, Working Hero Iowa and so much more! Get inspired!

Returning to Lush Left Podcast with Mary Angela Perna, I sat down with the fantastic journalist, Sam Thielman (NBC News Think, Tow Center, Byines: The Guardian, Talking Points Memo, Variety and more) We discussed the Barr 4 page letter, Mueller Report, Russia, the left getting Russia wrong, the great Marcy Wheeler, the wonderful, Elizabeth Warren and more!

Journalist, David M. Perry and I discuss his wonderful piece "What's So Scary About Socialism?". David is a writer for Pacific Standard, among other outlets. This piece (on Medium)discusses the history of the Republicans using the word "Socialism" in a deliberate and cynical way to undermine social programs -- even the polio vaccine! As this primary season is heating up, understand the way the GOP weaponizes and intentionally gets the term "Socialism" wrong, it's important for the left to be armed with accurate information to counter misinformation! David's vital piece: https://medium.com/s/story/whats-so-scary-about-socialism-4ae6d336620e

I had the honor of having former candidate for the State House in OH, teacher, Brett Pransky on Lush Left! We discussed his piece for Patriot Not Partisan, "On The Weakness of Wealth". We also go over the Lordstown Factory, the Trump regime and the enabling GOP, the GOP tax scam, the importance of voting and more! Brett's fantastic piece: http://patriotnotpartisan.com/general-commentary/on-the-weakness-of-wealth/

I had a fabulous conversation with Eva Putzova, congressional candidate running in the 1st congressional of Arizona! Get inspired by this bold, fierce progressive! Eva is for Medicare For All, the Green New Deal and more!

I am starting this primary season with the fabulous, Brianna Wu! Brianna is running in MA-08. Her vision is bol, progressive and inspiring! A success in the tech industry and former candidate, she is no stranger to a challenge. She is for Medicare For All, A Green New Deal and so much more. Want to feel inspired? Listen to Brianna's message and support her campaign! As I said last primary season: Primaries Matter! Link to support:https://briannawuforcongress.com/

Filmmaker Jen Senko returns to Lush Left and we continue the conversation about her film, the origins of RW media, the impact, propaganda, how we can combat misinformation and much more. Jen's film, "The Brainwashing Of My Dad" is required viewing! The right's media infrastructure is huge and we must explore ways to counter the noise!

Returning to Lush Left, Mary Angela sat down with Adam Kenworthy, attorney and head of the Iowa chapter of the American Constitution Society. We discuss the Iowa voting rights project, Adam's work around helping folks reclaim their voting rights after conviction and much more!

Join me for an important discussion with journalist, Christine Bolanos. We discuss The Guardian piece, co-written with labor writer, Mike Elk, titled, "Denver: immigrant teachers threatened with deportation if they join strikes" Intimidation to organize, join unions, stand up for rights is very real with DACA recipients and Christine and I discuss what is happening. Please read and share this vital piece: https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/feb/20/denver-teachers-strikes-immigrants-work-visas-jeopardized

Another wonderful conversation with the incredible photojournalist, activist and host of America Speaks podcast, Tish Lampert! We discuss the Democratic primary, the importance of coming together in the general election to vote Trump and the GOP out. We also discuss Trish's upcoming book,, "I Protest, To Create An American We Can Believe In"

I had an amazing conversation with Rick Smith of The Rick Smith Show. We talk all things Trump, the GOP, unions, resistance and so much more! A must listen!

Mary Angela had a terrific conversation with blogger and writer, Mke the Mad Biologist! Mike has been writing since 2004 and we discuss blogging during the GWB years, the Obama years, the history of blogging on the left, and more. We also talk about the toxic nature of Twitter, candidates vying for the Dem nomination and so much more! Mike is incredibly insightful, knowledgeable and follow his blog: mikethemadbiologist.com

Returning to the Lush Left Podcast, Farron Cousins, Co-Host of Ring of Fire and Mary Angela Perna discuss his segment about the Koch Brothers and what they are up to -- claiming that they are "trying to make the United States a better place by investing in education and anti--poverty measure" -- as Farron and I discuss, don't be fooled. Here is the clip from the Ring of Fire: https://trofire.com/2019/01/30/koch-brothers-try-to-remake-their-image-after-ruining-politics/ Always a fabulous time talking politics with Mr. Cousins!

I had a great conversation with recurring guest, Chris Stroop. Chris is an #Exevangelical , writer (Playboy, Rewire and more), a Ph.D in Russian studies, Chris coined the hashtag, #emptythepews ! in this episode, we discuss Pence's wife taking a job at a Christian school, the hypocrisy of the religious right, Betsy DeVos, the MAGA kids and more! Mr. Stroop is truly a go-to on this topic and always be sure to visit his informative website, chrisstroop.com !

I had amazing conversation with journalist, Sam Thielman. Sam of The Tow Center for Digital Journalism, with bylines in The Guardian, Variety, The Daily Beast and Talking Points Memo. We discuss his breakthrough piece that was published in 2017, "Stringer Missiles: Ex-Biz Partner To Trump Has A Story to Tell" -- this incredible story is about Felix Sader. his background, shady business ties, Trump and so much more. A must listen!

Mary Angela Perna sat down with Noah Berlatsky to discuss his piece in CNN, "Psychologists -- and Gillette -- are right about 'traditional masculinity''. We also discuss Tucker Carlson and more. Noah is a freelance writer for NBC Think, His essays have appeared on NPR's All Things Considered, Salon, Slate, Pacific Standard and many more outlets.

I had the honor of sitting down with John Amato of Crooks and Liars! We discuss how Crooks and Liars began, Trump and so much more. You won't want to miss this!

I had a wonderful conversation with Laura Moser, former congressional candidate for the 7th Congressional district in Texas, and founder of dailyaction.org -- we discuss social media, Beto O'Rourke and much more!

Laura Moser, former congressional candidate for seventh congressional in Texas joined me for an inspiring conversation about all-things Trump, should Beto run, social media and more!

Mary Angela talks with author of “Against the Fascist Creep”, Alexander Reid Ross about his fascinating book. We discuss the rise of fascism in Europe, the origins, the reality that the far RW has existed in the United States since the end of WW2 -- we discuss this, the rise of the alt right and so much more. As the election of Donald Trump shows, fascism in all its white nationalist and alt-right permutations is alive and well in the United States. Alexander’s book maps the connections, names the names and is incredibly insightful!

I sat down with Hamilton Nolan, writer for Splinter News.

Nathan Bernard covers of the Alt-Right in a way that's hilarious and effective! He has been profiled in Rolling stone and more. We talk about Laura Loomer, Gavin McInnis and various figures of the far RW. Constantly tracking the likes of Mike Cernovich, Alex Jones, Baked Alaska, The Proud Boys and more are doing it with humor (and accuracy!), Nate's work is important! Follow him on Twitter and his outlet, bernardmedia.org -- an incredibly interesting discussion!