Progressive Voices

'BradCast' 1/29/2026: It's About Elections: MN, ICE, GA and more by Progressive Voices

GNR_012926_PV by Progressive Voices

Shut It Down to Stop ICE—And How to Not Die While Saving the Planet | The Karel Show At this point, there's only one real move left: shut it down. Democrats have the power to defund DHS and ICE, but it means being willing to shut down the government and force Republicans to finally blink. And here's the truth: the public is with them. For millions of Americans, the federal government has become more destructive than helpful — and surrendering again would be unforgivable. If it takes a shutdown to: • Withdraw ICE • End masked, unaccountable enforcement • Stop a President from operating what looks like a private army Then Democrats should hold the line and not give in. Do whatever it takes to stop the madness. But it's not all politics today. We also turn to something deeply personal and hopeful: How Not to Die, the new documentary exploring plant-based eating for human health and the planet. The film is airing on UnChainedTV, and we're joined by its founder and president Jane Velez-Mitchell to talk about why food choices matter — for longevity, climate, and our future. Because surviving this moment isn't just about politics — it's also about how we live, eat, and care for ourselves and each other. The Karel Show is live Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PST, streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker, and more — and simulcast on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. If you value independent commentary, support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel — and please like, subscribe, and share. Broadcasting from Las Vegas with my service dog Ember

This time on Code WACK! How does Medicare Advantage - also known as privatized Medicare - fail seniors … especially seniors of color? Why do many seniors find they actually have no other choice than an Advantage plan? What's the consequence of that lack of choice? And how do Medicare Advantage insurance plans actually deepen racial and income disparities? To find out, we spoke with Dr. Belinda McIntosh — an Atlanta-based psychiatrist with more than 20 years of experience, a board member of Physicians for a National Health Program, and co-author of a new PNHP report titled “No Real Choices: How Medicare Advantage Fails Seniors of Color.” This is the first episode in a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

'BradCast' 1/28/2026: Government Shutdown Over ICE Funding Now Almost Certain by Progressive Voices

Why Democrats Keep Losing: Abandoning Voters, Misreading Power & Repeating the Same Errors | The Karel Show At a recent California forum featuring Democratic candidates for governor, LGBTQ issues weren't mentioned at all. Not once. That silence says more than any speech. Then Elizabeth Warren suggested that to “win,” Democrats should abandon social issues and focus only on affordability. The strategy? Shed the so-called distractions, chase the middle, and assume marginalized voters have nowhere else to go. That logic is exactly how Democrats lose. When core voters feel erased, they don't switch parties — they stay home. And staying home is how elections are lost. Again. Meanwhile, Donald Trump retreats in Minneapolis — but is it far too late? And as Democrats threaten to fire or impeach Kristi Noem, a simple question hangs in the air: if the votes exist to impeach her, why not him? We also break down a viral Reddit post mocking The Farmer's Wife over a $22 grilled cheese — a pile-on that led to both locations shutting down. Why are individual restaurants being publicly shamed while massive grocery chains and corporate food pricing escape the same scrutiny? This episode asks a hard but necessary question: When will Democrats stop misreading their own coalition — and start fighting like they actually want to win? The Karel Show is live Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PST, streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker, and more — and simulcast on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. If you value independent commentary, support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel — and please like, subscribe, and share. Broadcasting from Las Vegas with my service dog Ember

'BradCast' 1/27/2026: Trump Blinks, Bovino Out, MN ICE Op Falters but Continues as Midterm Accountability Looms by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 1/27/2026 by Progressive Voices

Way Too Little, Far Too Late: Power, Blood, and Corporate Cowardice | The Karel Show Now they want investigations. Now they want resignations. Now — after the damage is done. As Bovino is reportedly pushed back to the border and toward a quiet retirement, Republicans are suddenly calling for accountability and privately urging Kristi Noem to step down. Why the sudden concern? Because they smell blood in the water ahead of the midterms — and they're trying to save themselves. It won't work. They waited too long. Two people are dead. The videos are clear. And no one has been prosecuted for what appear to be killings carried out under the direction — and encouragement — of an out-of-control President and his inner circle. This isn't politics. It's responsibility — and it's being dodged in real time. Then there's Apple. I've been an Apple user since the Lisa. I literally have an Apple tattoo. But watching Tim Cook hand Trump a trophy — and then attend a Melania movie premiere at the White House — raises a serious question: does Apple's leadership still understand its own users, values, or audience? Because right now, it looks like moral surrender dressed up as neutrality. Plus: • Alex Honnold climbs a skyscraper without a rope • Netflix pays for it — and profits from it • Should this kind of extreme risk be encouraged, monetized, and broadcast? This episode asks a simple question that applies to politics, corporations, and media alike: When accountability finally arrives, why is it always too little — and far too late? The Karel Show is live Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PST, streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker, and more — and simulcast on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. If you value independent commentary, support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel — and please like, subscribe, and share. Broadcasting from Las Vegas with my service dog Ember

'BradCast' 1/26/2026: The ICE Murder of ICU Nurse Alex Pretti, and Other Heroes of Minneapolis by Progressive Voices

How Congress Can Stop ICE Abuses—And Why It Must Act Now | The Karel Show Let's be clear: border enforcement and legal immigration are not the problem. Violent criminals, drug traffickers, and human traffickers should not be on our streets. That's not controversial. What is the problem is how ICE is operating — and Congress has the power to stop it. Now. With the January 31 funding deadline approaching, Congress needs 60 votes to fund DHS/ICE. If Democrats vote no, the votes aren't there — and ICE is defunded. That's not radical. It's constitutional leverage. Afterward, Congress can rebuild immigration enforcement the right way: clear rules, real oversight, and accountability that protects both public safety and human rights. We also address why Kristi Noem has failed as a leader in this moment — and why resignation or impeachment should be on the table when leadership enables harm instead of preventing it. Immigration reform is one thing. Removing criminals is one thing. Killing civilians is another — and it must stop. Plus: why has air travel become so miserable? From shrinking seats to engineered discomfort, we unpack why airlines seem determined to make flying unbearable — and who's letting them get away with it. The Karel Show is live Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PST, streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker, and more — and simulcast on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. If you value independent commentary, support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel — and please like, subscribe, and share. Broadcasting from Las Vegas with my service dog Ember

'BradCast' 1/22/2026: Jack Smith's public testimony in the House, new secret ICE memo, with legal expert Keith Barber by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 1/22/2026 by Progressive Voices

Is It Time to Leave the U.S.? Moving to Canada as America Unravels | The Karel Show The world is no longer whispering — it's saying it out loud. At Davos, global leaders openly criticized the United States, warning that under Donald Trump, America has become a threat to democracy, stability, and basic sanity. Even major U.S. outlets are now urging Europe not to back down — and to hold America accountable. These are extraordinary times, and the global consequences are accelerating. So what happens when Americans start asking the unthinkable question: Is it time to leave? In this episode, we're joined by Tom Moore, creator of the wildly popular YouTube channel Living in Halifax, to break down the realities of moving to Canada — not the fantasy, not the panic, but the actual how, why, and what-to-expect: • Immigration basics • Cost of living realities • Cultural differences • Why so many Americans are looking north • And who moving actually makes sense for This isn't fear-mongering — it's preparation. The Karel Show is live Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PST, streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker, and more — and simulcast on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. If you value independent commentary, support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel — and please like, subscribe, and share. Broadcasting from Las Vegas with my service dog Ember

This time on Code WACK! This time on Code WACK! In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we're rebroadcasting this episode examining how desegregation shaped the experiences of Black patients in America – and what still hasn't changed. What does racism in medicine look like today? To break it down, we spoke to Dr. Barbara Berney, project creator and producer of the documentary “Power to Heal: Medicare and the Civil Rights Revolution.” She's also an emeritus professor at City University of New York School of Public Health and a distinguished scholar in public health, environmental justice, and the U.S. healthcare system. This is the second of two episodes with Dr. Berney. It originally aired in March of 2025. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! Keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

'BradCast' 1/21/2026: World Turning Against Self-Destructing U.S. Under Trump by Progressive Voices

Why Kids Are Spiraling, Markets Are Crashing & Adults Won't Step Up | The Karel Show 26-7 Something is breaking — socially, politically, and economically — and today's episode connects the dots. In Las Vegas, a man is suing the families of seven teens after a violent park attack. It's not an isolated incident. I've been attacked twice by kids on e-bikes myself. Across the country, young people are acting out with little consequence, little guidance, and little accountability — often raised by overwhelmed adults who were never prepared to raise anyone at all. We also look at Brooklyn Beckham going public in a way that reflects a much larger generational unraveling — and ask what happens when kids are raised by kids in a culture with no guardrails. Meanwhile, Donald Trump tanked the markets, threatened Greenland (yes, again), and sparked renewed calls — including from a sitting Senator — to invoke the 25th Amendment. Congress, as usual, does nothing. As conditions escalate rapidly, the question isn't if this gets worse — it's who will finally act. We also break down: • Peet's Coffee closing Bay Area locations • Starbucks downsizing nationwide • Whether the era of $10 coffee is finally ending • And yes — a determined coyote trying to reach Alcatraz

Leslie is joined by Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy for the 63 Unions and 15 million members of the AFL-CIO. The two review President Trump's first year of his second term, and how it's been filled with relentless attacks on workers during his pursuit of 'Project 2025.' However, they also discuss how the labor movement is fighting back, and winning! The administration: - committed the single biggest-act of union-busting in history, - launched a brutal assault on immigrants and communities across the country, - ripped health care from millions, - made billionaires richer and corporations more powerful, - moved to unleash untested AI technology, - And dismantled government agencies that provide essential services. President Trump promised to “make America affordable again,” but instead, he spent a year driving up costs, holding down wages and letting jobs disappear—including jobs that would keep energy bills from skyrocketing. But in the face of relentless attacks on our livelihoods and freedoms, workers are turning to unions to fight back. And we're winning. In December we saw the first sprouts of victory when a bipartisan group of lawmakers canceled votes on the SCORE Act, succumbing to pressure after months of organizing from the labor movement. Then before the year ended, a group of bipartisan lawmakers passed a discharge petition advancing one of labor's top priorities: restoring federal workers collective bargaining rights. At the beginning of 2026, we saw lawmakers in the house rally around an extension of the ACA tax credits and a band of Republicans come together to sink a series of anti-worker labor bills. The website for the AFL-CIO is AFLCIO.org and their handle on Blue Sky is @AFLCIO.org. Their handle on Facebook, Instagram and X is @AFLCIO. Jody's handle on Blue Sky is @guerino.bsky.social.

'BradCast' 1/20/2026: Trump Admin's Endless Waste, Fraud, Abuse in Elections by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 1/20/2026 by Progressive Voices

Don Lemon Targeted, Nicki Minaj Melts Down & MAGA Shows Its Hand | Karel Cast 26-06 Journalism is under attack — and this episode shows exactly how and why. After Don Lemon covered a protest involving an ICE agent who also serves as a pastor, right-wing outrage machines went into overdrive. The backlash escalated so far that the DOJ reportedly sent a letter and placed Lemon on a list — simply for doing his job as a journalist. That alone should alarm anyone who believes in a free press. Then Nicki Minaj inserted herself into the moment with a homophobic attack that revealed far more about MAGA culture than about its target. As political loyalty collides with personal grievance, the mask slips — again. We also break down new revelations surrounding Donald Trump and his fixation on the Nobel Prize, including texts that shed light on his bizarre Greenland rhetoric and international posturing. On a lighter (and very Karel) note: • Learn how to make homemade dog biscuits to save money • A special EPK feature on my new single “I Dance Because”, honoring those we danced with — and those we dance for now The Karel Cast is live Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PST, streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker, and more — and simulcast on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. If you value independent journalism, consider supporting the show at patreon.com/reallykarel — and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share. Broadcasting from Las Vegas with my service dog Ember

The Unraveling of a Presidency | The Karel Show 26-05 The signs are no longer subtle — the Trump presidency is coming apart, fast. Across the globe, Europe prepares economic countermeasures as it becomes clear that intimidation no longer works. NATO moves to defend Greenland, responding to unprecedented threats and destabilization. At home, Minneapolis refuses to back down in the face of aggressive ICE tactics, while approval ratings sink to historic lows. The bluster is fading. The consequences are real. What's emerging is a dangerous truth: a would-be authoritarian pushing boundaries — and a world that is finally pushing back. So where is Congress? When does the legislative branch step up and prove it is not afraid to do its job? In the second half of the show, Karel looks inward — at a country that increasingly rejects education, culture, art, reading, and empathy, and instead celebrates ignorance and cruelty. How did America lose its sense of class, curiosity, and shared values — and can it be reclaimed? The Karel Show delivers unfiltered, thoughtful commentary on politics, culture, and modern life — without the shouting.

'BradCast' 1/15/2026: A Cornered Rat: Trump threatens MN, NATO, World, w/ Heather Digby Parton, 'Driftglass' by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 1/15/2026 by Progressive Voices

Iran, Israel & the CIA: When “Conspiracy” Starts Sounding Plausible | The Karel Show The word conspiracy gets thrown around easily — but sometimes the real-world facts are disturbing enough on their own. As protests erupt in Iran, the political fallout gives Donald Trump fresh justification to escalate tensions. The question becomes: who benefits if conflict expands? Israel? The United States? Powerful interests that thrive on instability? Karel examines why so many people are now willing to believe scenarios that once felt unthinkable — and what it says about the era we're living in. Meanwhile, the Senate makes a stunning move that effectively gives Trump wide latitude in Venezuela, raising serious questions about power, resources, and accountability — and why so few seem to be paying attention. Also in this episode: • Why the facts are often scarier than conspiracy theories • Why Karel is skeptical of CBS News' reporting on the alleged “internal bleeding” of an ICE officer • Voting season for the SAG Awards and Dorian Awards — and why this year's film slate feels oddly underwhelming The Karel Show delivers thoughtful, unfiltered commentary on global politics, media narratives, and culture — without the shouting or fear-bait.

'BradCast' 1/14/2026: 'Mad King Trump in Venezuela (and Beyond) with Nicholas Grossman, U. of Illinois by Progressive Voices

America Has Truly Lost the Plot | The Karel Show 26-03 It's 2026 — and America feels completely upside down. While the country faces real, urgent crises, the highest court in the land is debating whether fewer than 1,200 student athletes should be allowed to compete in sports because they are transgender — kids whose only “crime” was being born different and receiving medically supervised, professional care. Nine justices, behind closed doors, may decide whether young people get to pursue their dreams — while homelessness grows, injustice spreads, a nation turns on itself in the streets, and a president continues to run amok. Meanwhile, a beloved television actor is aggressively pursued over allegations he strongly denies, while documented abusers of underage girls hold real power on the world stage — a contradiction that exposes just how broken our moral compass has become. Plus: a seemingly simple online question about manicures unexpectedly explodes into a heated debate about women, time, labor, and modern expectations — revealing more about society than anyone expected. The Karel Show delivers unfiltered, thoughtful commentary on politics, culture, and everyday life — without the shouting.

'BradCast' 1/13/2026: Things are Getting Weirder as Trump Keeps Losing by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 1/13/2026 by Progressive Voices

What Do We Still Love? A Needed Reset in a Chaotic America | Karel Cast 26-02 Every day seems to begin with another headline designed to exhaust us. As Donald Trump's ongoing assault on American norms continues to dominate the news cycle, it's easy to wake up angry, anxious, or defeated. But today's episode asks a different — and necessary — question: What do we still love? What moments in your day bring warmth, comfort, or joy? Is it your dog? Cooking a favorite meal? Sharing food? Small rituals that remind you who you are? In this episode, Karel explores why remembering what we love is an act of resistance — and why grounding ourselves in simple joys may be essential for surviving this political moment. Plus: What do Germany, Turkey, Italy, Brazil, and Mexico all have in common? The answer may surprise you — and reveal something important about culture, food, and national identity. The Karel Cast delivers smart, unfiltered conversation on current events, culture, and modern life — without the shouting.

'BradCast' 1/12/2026: Former Police Chief Jim Bueermann on the ICE killing of Renee Good by Progressive Voices

2026: The Year to Reset — Taking Back Our Lives, Not Just Our Politics | The Karel Show They say insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. For many Americans, the past several years have felt exactly like that. Donald Trump has made daily life exhausting for anyone who isn't MAGA. Every day brings a new outrage. Every day he takes up more space in our heads. Every day the dark cloud he creates seeps into our lives, our relationships, and our sense of self. But here's the truth: you can fly above those clouds. And above them, there is still sunlight. I've lived under that cloud for nearly a decade — watching a country spin out of control — and I've become someone I no longer want to be. Angry. Reactive. Consumed. Like Peter Finch's character in Network, mad as hell and not willing to take it anymore. But rage alone doesn't win. Purpose does. It's time to be more like Stephen Colbert or Jimmy Kimmel — fully aware of what's happening, but refusing to let anger hollow us out. It's time for America to hit the hard reset. We can still take our country back — through elections, protests, Congress, and the courts. And if that fight fails, we face that reality when it comes. But we don't live every day in fury while we wait. Yes, the economy is hurting people. Food prices are soaring. Violence fills the headlines. None of that is imaginary. But if we let Trump take our joy, our compassion, our humanity — then he wins something far bigger than an election. That ends now. For me. And maybe for you, too. The Karel Show is supported by viewer donations at patreon.com/reallykarel Please watch, like, subscribe, and share at youtube.com/reallykarel The show streams on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker, and more — Monday through Thursday at 10:30 AM PT, and on TikTok and Instagram. Broadcasting from Las Vegas with my service girl Ember — this is The Karel Show. #2026, #ResetAmerica, #TheKarelShow, #USPolitics, #Trump, #MAGA, #PoliticalCommentary, #Democracy, #MentalHealth, #CultureShift, #CurrentEvents, #Election2026, #PoliticalReflection, #America, #MediaCriticism, #LiveYourBestLife, #PurposeOverRage, #NewsCommentary, #LasVegas, #Podcast https://youtube.com/live/c1OtZlTskB8

'BradCast' 1/8/2026: Trump to U.N., Rule of Law, World: DROP DEAD by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 1/8/2026 by Progressive Voices

'BradCast' 1/7/2026 (Guest: Election expert Marilyn Marks on 'nonsense' new claims about GA's 2020 election) by Progressive Voices

This time on Code WACK! As healthcare costs skyrocket and Americans face new coverage threats, California advocates are pushing for something bigger than simple fixes around the edges. We're joined by longtime healthcare organizer Michael Lighty, who breaks down the fight for single payer, what's at stake in 2026, and why unity may be the key to winning guaranteed healthcare for all. Michael is the president of Healthy California Now and has organized, advocated and developed policy for single payer Medicare for All nationally and in California for more than 30 years. This is the second episode in a two-part series with Michael Lighty. Check out the Transcripthttps://heal-ca.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Transcript-Lighty-01_05_2026.pdfand Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.

Leslie is joined by Raul Torrez, Attorney General of New Mexico. Torrez is a career state and federal prosecutor who has served at every level of the justice system. Since taking office as New Mexico's 32nd Attorney General in 2023, he has made protecting children a central priority—holding major tech companies accountable for enabling online abuse and investigating systemic failures in the child welfare system. The two discuss Torrez's lawsuits against Meta and Snap Inc. In December 2023, A.G. Torrez filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms, Inc., alleging that Facebook and Instagram enabled child sexual abuse and human trafficking. The complaint details how Meta's platforms allowed predators to exploit minors and how the company's algorithms contributed to the spread of harmful content. In September 2024, A.G. Torrez filed a lawsuit against Snap Inc., alleging that Snapchat's design features and algorithms facilitated child sexual exploitation and sextortion. The lawsuit claims that Snapchat misled users about the safety of its platform, particularly regarding disappearing messages, and failed to implement adequate safeguards for minors. Lastly, the pair shares information and resources on how parents can help protect their children online, and how to detect if their child may have experienced sexual abuse or exploitation online.

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 CNN Military Analyst Cedric Leighton (USAF-Ret.). The two discuss Trump's capture of the Venezuelan President on their soil, and whether or not the action was lawful. Additionally, they posit whether this move by Trump undercuts the U.S. argument that China should keep its hands off of Taiwan. They also analyze the prospect of invading Cuba or Greenland, and the impact of a more Western Hemisphere-centric foreign policy on the security of the U.S. Lastly, the pair details Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's continued retribution against Senator Mark Kelly, a U.S. military veteran, for a video he was part of encouraging military members only to follow lawful orders. Then, Brad is joined by Sarah Jones, Editor-in-Chief of PoliticusUSA. The pair discusses the anniversary of the January 6th insurrection, as well as Jack Smith's recent testimony to Congress on how culpable President Trump is for the attack on our Capitol. Next, they preview the incoming cost increases for Americans' health insurance, thanks to the changes that Trump and Congressional Republicans have made to the Affordable Care Act. Finally, Sarah evaluates how possible it seems for Democrats to retake the House during this year's midterms, and whether the Senate could be attainable. 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. Sarah Jones' handle on BlueSky is @politicussarah.bsky.social and the website for PoliticusUSA is www.PoliticusUSA.com. Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social. 

'BradCast' 1/6/2026: Jack Smith's Testimony on Trump's Jan. 6 Crimes by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 1/6/2026 by Progressive Voices

The Madness of King Trump: NATO, Venezuela, Greenland & a Nation on the Brink | The Karel Cast Is this still politics—or has it crossed into something far more dangerous? Venezuela's president claims he was kidnapped while insisting he remains in power. Colombia is on high alert, warning it will fight back if provoked. Denmark issues a chilling warning: if Donald Trump makes a move on Greenland, NATO itself could collapse. This isn't exaggeration anymore. This is the Madness of King Trump. If Congress fails to act, the consequences could be irreversible—not just for democracy, but for whether the United States even survives another 250 years. The warning signs are flashing everywhere. Plus: • A fatal mountain lion attack near a national park after months of “menacing” behavior—and why I'm unapologetically on Team Lion • A heartbreaking story of a mother who lost her son after he followed advice from a chatbot—why blind faith in AI is dangerous Sharp analysis. Uncomfortable truths. No sugarcoating. The Karel Cast is supported by viewer donations at patreon.com/reallykarel Please watch, like, subscribe, and share at youtube.com/reallykarel The show streams on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker, and more—Monday through Thursday at 10:30 AM PT, and on TikTok and Instagram. Broadcasting from Las Vegas with my service girl Ember—this is The Karel Cast. #Trump, #KingTrump, #PoliticalCrisis, #WorldNews, #NATO, #Greenland, #Venezuela, #Colombia, #USPolitics, #DemocracyInDanger, #Authoritarianism, #GlobalConflict, #PoliticalCommentary, #TheKarelCast, #NewsAnalysis, #AIethics, #ChatGPT, #MountainLion, #NationalParks, #CurrentEvents https://youtube.com/live/kGda_cUYKUA

'BradCast' 1/5/2026: Trump War on Venezuela is About Ego, Power, Creation of 'Alien Enemies' by Progressive Voices

An Unhinged President Crosses a Red Line: Is America Now at War? | The Karel Cast An out-of-control President has crossed an unthinkable line — invading a sovereign nation, detaining its President and First Lady, and declaring the United States will “run the country” indefinitely. That isn't diplomacy. It's an undeclared act of war, a violation of U.S. and international law, and a chilling step toward modern-day colonization. Even more disturbing? Congress is largely silent, slow-walking its response while one man accumulates extraordinary power. How does this end? Who finally steps up to challenge it? Plus — the devastating Swiss fire tragedy. As investigators search for causes and accountability, Karel asks an uncomfortable but necessary question after watching the footage: Why didn't they run? Is it shock, youth, denial — or something deeper about how we respond to danger? Also in this episode: • A sharp pet-peeve illustration • Leo questions whether Americans still have the stomach for one long-standing national tradition This is urgent, unsettling, and essential conversation. The Karel Cast is supported by viewers like you at patreon.com/reallykarel

This time on Code WACK! Today, we're talking about rising healthcare costs and the renewed momentum behind Medicare for All. Recent polling shows majority support for the idea across Democrats, independents, and even a notable share of Republicans, even when voters are told it would replace most private insurance and require higher taxes. As premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs continue to climb, healthcare affordability is once again at the forefront of the political debate. To help us unpack what's driving this support and whether it represents a real political opportunity, we're joined by longtime healthcare advocate and policy strategist Michael Lighty, president of Healthy California Now and former healthcare constituency director for the Bernie 2020 campaign. This is the first of two episodes with Michael Lighty. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.

Happy New Year! Cooking Healthy, LGBTQ Headlines, and Hope for 2026 Happy New Year! On the first show of the year, we're starting exactly where so many of us want to be: healthier, grounded, and informed. I'll show you how to make an easy, delicious lentil pasta dish that's packed with protein, full of flavor, and simple enough for anyone to cook—perfect for easing into better habits without guilt or extremes. Then Scott Jacobson joins me for This Gay Week, breaking down the LGBTQ stories that are already shaping the start of the new year—from politics to culture to what our community should be watching closely right now. And of course, we'll take a moment to reflect on what we hope this new year can bring: more health, more honesty, more joy, and more room to just breathe.

Goodbye 2025: The Year That Changed Everything As 2025 comes to a close, it's time to pause—and take one last, honest look at a year that often felt overwhelming. The first year of Trump's return to power reshaped politics almost daily, while breakthroughs and breakdowns across science, health, entertainment, and pop culture competed for our attention nonstop. Some stories inspired hope. Others shocked, exhausted, or divided us. And many lived somewhere in the uncomfortable middle. This episode of The Karel Cast puts 2025 into a time capsule—connecting the dots between the moments that defined the year and asking what they mean as we step into the future. If you felt like 2025 was a lot… you weren't wrong. Let's talk about the year that was.

Erik Dane on ALS, Disability Visibility, and Refusing to Give Up Erik Dane—forever remembered by many as “McSteamy” from Grey's Anatomy—has lived much of his career in the spotlight. From blockbuster films to hit television shows, and more recently capturing a new generation on Euphoria, his career has continued to evolve. But in April 2025, at the height of renewed success, Dane was diagnosed with ALS—a devastating disease with no cure. Now using a wheelchair, Erik Dane is still acting, still creating, and still showing up. He recently appeared on Brilliant Minds and participated in a powerful media panel discussing the role, disability visibility, and what it means to continue working in an industry that rarely makes space for visible illness. We bring you that panel—and the conversation it sparked. As we look ahead to the new year, Erik Dane's story is a profound reminder of two essential truths: nothing matters more than your health, and even when your body isn't cooperating, your dreams don't have to end.

Why New Year's Resolutions Fail, SF Takes on Junk Food, and This Gay Week It's New Year's resolution season—but what if making resolutions is actually setting yourself up to fail? As millions promise dramatic life changes, we take a hard look at why New Year's resolutions often backfire, fuel shame, and create unrealistic expectations instead of real growth. Plus, San Francisco is taking an aggressive stand against junk food, filing lawsuits aimed at companies that profit from unhealthy products. Is this smart public health policy—or government overreach into what we eat? And Scott Jacobson joins me for This Gay Week, breaking down the latest LGBTQ news, culture, and political developments you need to know as we head into the new year.

It's Christmas — Let's Dance!

The True Meaning of Christmas (It's Not What You Think) | Karel Cast Every year we decorate the tree, exchange gifts, sing the songs, and gather with loved ones — but do we ever stop to ask why we do any of it? On this Christmas Eve episode of The Karel Cast, we take a deeper look at the true meaning of Christmas: where the traditions came from, what they were meant to symbolize, and how the holiday has evolved into what it is today. We'll also talk honestly about why Christmas can feel magical for some — and painfully lonely or depressing for others. From nostalgia and loss to hope and connection, this is a reflective, thoughtful conversation about what this night really represents in our modern world. Whether Christmas fills you with joy, sadness, or a mix of both, this episode is for you. The Karel Cast is supported by your donations at patreon.com/reallykarel. Please watch, like, comment, and subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel. The Karel Cast is heard on all major streaming platforms — from Apple Music to iHeartRadio, Spotify to Spreaker. Live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 AM PST, and streaming on TikTok and Instagram. Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer broadcasting from Las Vegas with his little service girl, Ember. #ChristmasEve, #TrueMeaningOfChristmas, #HolidayReflection, #ChristmasTraditions, #HolidayMentalHealth, #ChristmasSadness, #HolidayJoy, #ChristmasThoughts, #KarelCast, #HolidayDepression, #ChristmasSpirit, #HolidayEmotions, #SeasonOfHope, #ModernChristmas, #LGBTQVoices, #HolidayPodcast, #ChristmasPodcast, #EndOfYearReflection, #LasVegas, #EmberTheServiceDog https://youtube.com/live/x8-698BCM9I

These Food & Climate Numbers Will Shock You | Karel Cast 25-167 What would it actually take for your state to be food-self-sufficient? How much food — and especially meat — would the United States have to produce just to feed itself? The answers are staggering, and they reveal why climate change, agriculture, and what we eat are deeply connected — whether we want to admit it or not. These numbers don't just challenge our assumptions, they expose how fragile the food system really is. So yes, eat, drink, and be merry this holiday season — but understand this: you are not alone, and the choices we make collectively matter more than ever. Plus, let's talk about the emotional side of the holidays. They can be joyful… but also stressful. What holiday pet peeves drive you crazy? Crowds? Family drama? Travel chaos? Odds are, we share more than a few. And to balance it out: what are the things worth loving this season? The moments, the people, the small joys that make it all worthwhile. The Karel Cast is supported by your donations at patreon.com/reallykarel. Please like, subscribe, and share at youtube.com/reallykarel. Catch The Karel Cast Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PST on Apple Music, iHeart Media, Spotify, Spreaker, TikTok, and Instagram. #KarelCast, #FoodSecurity, #ClimateChange, #SustainableFood, #MeatConsumption, #ClimateCrisis, #FoodSystem, #HolidaySeason, #HolidayStress, #HolidayPetPeeves, #FoodProduction, #EnvironmentalImpact, #DietAndClimate, #USFoodSupply, #PopCultureTalk, #ProgressiveVoices, #SocialIssues, #NewsCommentary, #LGBTQCreators, #LasVegasCreator https://youtube.com/live/gB4ZdO9dlkE