Podcasts about Driftglass

(And we talk about the Illinois Democratic Primaries!  They were counting votes as we recorded.) Episode 977 examines the 2026 Illinois Democratic primary while dissecting David Axelrod's fantasy that Democrats should rerun the Obama 2008 campaign in 2028, as if the berserk Republican backlash to Obama never happened. Driftglass and Blue Gal discuss how legacy media pundits use lazy abstractions about "the people" and "the voters" while pretending the Republican party didn't become a full-on fascist movement on their watch. The episode introduces "an apple made of razors"—David French's technique of piling up Both Sides turds before one perfunctory paragraph disclaiming what he's obviously doing, the opposite of Brooks's "razor in the apple." It's about false choices, selective memory, and why the #1 priority in 2028 must be tearing out the Republican party root and branch, not another round of bipartisan healing.Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.com Website: proleftpod.com Support via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpod or Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

Episode 976 examines the signs and portents showing Trump's base starting to fracture as broken promises about Epstein files and "no foreign wars" collide with reality. Driftglass and Blue Gal track special election upsets across the country, from New Hampshire to Georgia's R+19 district where even Trump's handpicked candidate couldn't avoid a runoff after 22% of MAGA voters disobeyed orders. The episode explores why Joe Rogan claims Trump supporters feel "betrayed" while refusing to admit his own terrible judgment, and why Trump is desperately pushing the SAVE Act as his only hope to rig the midterms. It's about reading the obvious signs everyone can see—the temperature dropping, the sky turning green, and the sound of freight trains roaring as the Republican coalition tears itself apart.Cover art: NASA Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.com Website: proleftpod.com Support via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpod or Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

Episode 975 takes a trip back to Chicago to explore how big cities weather economic shocks that would destroy smaller towns—a lesson that matters as Trump's oil crisis, job losses, and ACA cuts hit rural Trump voters hardest. Driftglass and Blue Gal examine the fragile interconnectedness of small-town economies and why cascade failures are coming to red America, where MAGA voters are about to learn the hard way that Obamacare and the ACA are the same thing. The episode explores how scale matters in both directions, from moving government jobs between cities to surviving the economic voodoo practiced by a corrupt racist lunatic. Plus, a language lesson about Gen Z reclaiming the "C" word, and how that impacts us "olds."  More at proleftpod.com.Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.com Website: proleftpod.com Support via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpod or Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

Episode 974 examines why Trump's illegal war with Iran is splintering the MAGA base and fueling Democratic victories in special elections across the country. Driftglass and Blue Gal trace how Trump won in 2016 by offering Republican voters absolution for the Iraq War disaster—then broke his sacred "No Foreign Wars" promise just like he's covering up the Epstein files. The episode dissects who gets forgiveness in American politics and who doesn't, exposing how Never Trumpers demand we forget Liz Cheney's monstrous lies while they obsess over trivial Democratic moments amplified by Fox News. It's about broken promises, selective amnesia, and why former Republicans now control the narrative while scolding the liberals who were right all along.Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.com Website: proleftpod.com Support via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpod or Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

Episode 973 explores biblical healing miracles to reveal what they teach about choice, cruelty, and the difference between victims who deserve compassion and abusers who don't. Driftglass and Blue Gal revisit the story of the Gerasene man possessed by "Legion" to examine the long-term trauma inflicted when military forces terrorize civilian populations—then and now. The episode lays out why there can be no forgiveness without repentance, no redemption without atonement, and why "cheap grace" for Trump voters keeps enabling the cycle of abuse. Plus, a perfect diamond of stupid from an "independent" centrist who somehow thinks both sides are equally extreme while Trump launches unprovoked wars and builds concentration camps.Links for this episode: AR Moxon, ‘Culture of Healing'  https://www.the-reframe.com/culture-of-healing/Cover Art: ‘The Chosen Jesus Tile' (no affiliation)  https://gcmdesignz.com/product/funny-jesus-tile-the-chosen-jesus-tile-great-gift-or-stocking-stuffer-funny-jesus-sayings-enjoy-the-catholic-and-christian-humor-3/ Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.com Website: proleftpod.com Support via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpod or Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

You know Driftglass from the Professional Left Podcast – proleftpod.com – with his wife and co-host Blue Gal. He's also a regular on our Wednesday shows, and one of the smartest podcasters around. Today we talked about the State of the Union and some of the reasons why too many Americans believe what happened last night is perfectly normal. And if you value independent media, make sure to support the Professional Left Podcast at patreon.com/proleftpod. Meantime, make sure to support this podcast at patreon.com/bobcescashow. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 971 examines why fact-checkers keep losing to Republican lies in America's ongoing culture war, and why better stories—not more facts—are the only way to win. Driftglass and Blue Gal break down Will McGrath's powerful essay "In the Resistance, We Drive Minivans" to show how real stories about real people cut through propaganda in ways statistics never can. The episode also tackles why centrist pundits are tying themselves in knots now that "resistance liberals" turned out to be right about Trump and fascism all along, yet still can't be allowed to lead. It's about storytelling, leadership, and why some people would rather let their Bullshit Igloos collapse than admit the Left saw this coming a decade ago.Links for this episode: Will McGrath: "In The Resistance, We Drive Minivans" The New Republic:  "What's Behind the Centrists' Resistance to the “Resistance Liberals”?"Crooks and Liars:  "This Dingus Of The Week Also Seems To Be A Voyeur"https://crooksandliars.com/2026/02/dingus-week-also-seems-be-voyeurStay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodor Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

Episode 969 explores how politicians and media use vague phrases like "the American people," "the voters," and "the public" without anyone agreeing on what these terms actually mean. Driftglass and Blue Gal trace these polyfunctional words through American history, from Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth to Nixon's "silent majority" and today's political battles over who gets to speak for the nation. They examine how these phrases do political work rather than descriptive work, often excluding people while claiming to represent everyone. The episode reveals why this ambiguous language matters so much in the ongoing fight over American democracy and who counts as part of "we the people."Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodor Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

You'll notice Blue Gal isn't here today. She had to take a day job in order to afford health insurance. So, it's super important that we all support our liberal media voices. In particular, patreon.com/proleftpod to support the Professional Left Podcast. Also, proleftpod.com where you can support them on PayPal and make sure to pick up a #BothSidesDont t-shirt. So today it's me and Driftglass talking about the Epstein Files, the oligarchy, the both-sides news media, and of course a little Star Trek discourse in there, too. Meantime, make sure to support this podcast at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by Marina Rocks. Brought to you by Russ Rybicki, SharePower Responsible Investing. Support our new sponsor and get free shipping at Quince.com/bob! Sign up for Buzz Burbank's Substack.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti are called what they really are—lynchings carried out by Trump's armed thugs who were then protected from investigation and sent back out on the streets. A direct line connects decades of right-wing hate radio promising to eliminate liberals to today's fascist violence, explaining why there will be no magical "national awakening" to save us. Never Trump pundits who now support "Defund ICE" after spending years attacking Democrats over "Defund the Police" get dismantled for their hypocrisy, with an explanation of why better messaging won't fix a problem caused by the right's massive propaganda machine. The only path forward is relentless pressure, cutting off money and legitimacy to Republicans, and refusing to forget what they've done when this is over.Cover photo credit: The Library of Congress via PBS.Links for this episode: Driftglass and Bluegal on The Bill Show!  The New Republic: CBP Boss Says He Moved Agents Who Shot Alex Pretti to Avoid “Doxxing” https://newrepublic.com/post/205690/customs-border-protection-cbp-agent-alex-pretti-reassigned Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodor Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

Fascism has come to America. What then must we do? Citizens are being murdered in the streets by Trump's Goon Squads, NATO is cracking and Trump has virtually destroyed relationships with all of America's allies. What then must we do? Driftglass and Bluegal of "The Professional Left Podcast" (subscribe at proleftpod.com) are with us to go over the State of the Union. There is also a Star Trek quiz to cheer us up. This is a good one. Subscribe to "The Professional Left" at proleftpod.com.

The greatest political mirage in modern American history returns as Trump's second term reveals that while the ingredients stay the same, something fundamental has shifted. Driftglass and Blue Gal dissect how corporate media like Newsweek hides its appeasement under the banner of "Courageous Centrism" while Republicans once again flee the scene of their crimes by rebranding as independents—though this time, many seem too exhausted to bother with the charade. Unlike the counterculture movement that broke and rolled back after Kent State, today's resistance to Trump's fascist overreach is growing stronger, not weaker, backed by governors, mayors, and millions with cameras in their pockets. From Hunter S. Thompson's receding tide to today's rising wave of protest, this episode traces the through-line of American political psychology and asks whether, finally, this time really is different.More at proleftpod.com.Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodor Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

We start with some personal news: Blue Gal's father passed away on January 9.In other news, she's leaving Crooks and Liars after 18 years for a day job with health insurance—thanks to Republican healthcare f*ckery. The podcast continues twice weekly, just dropping later in the day with Driftglass handling all the prep work.Then we dive into why Trump's regime is doubling down on violence and lies about Renee Good's murder by ICE. We explain how decades of right-wing media have convinced MAGA that a massive Liberal Conspiracy controls everything, and Trump is finally "actualizing" all those lies—from ICE brownshirts in Minneapolis to raiding reporters' homes to threatening the Insurrection Act. But then there's Trump's broken promise on the Epstein Files.Plus: local Republican parties are trapped between a MAGA base demanding loyalty and horrified independents whose votes they need. More at proleftpod.com.Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodor Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com

Driftglass and Blue Gal from the Professional Left Podcast return to the show today. Make sure to support their podcast at patreon.com/proleftpod and proleftpod.com. Today we talked about the lawlessness of the Donald Trump regime as its death squads continue to assault US citizens. We also talked about Venezuela. We discussed Donald's corrosive view of American politics, and how we can push back through building a robust opposition media. Meantime, make sure to support this podcast at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by Albert.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com

In their final episode of 2025, Driftglass and Blue Gal try to sum up the entire awful year in just a few key words or phrases. As they close out nearly 16 years of podcasting together, the hosts reflect on the core lies drilled into Americans' heads so long that people automatically reach for them whenever the truth becomes too uncomfortable to face.Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodor Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

Driftglass and Blue Gal bring their epic year-in-review series to a close, covering September through December and finally boxing up 2025 to send it to hell. The hosts examine the final months of a year that saw legacy media trapped in their own 'Both Sides Do It' prison, DOGE's promises evaporate into nothing, and the Epstein files get a (incompetent, but still) cover up.  But there's also hope in this finale—a massive Blue Wave in November's elections, governors standing up to federal overreach, and signs that Trump's floor might finally be cracking. As they close out the longest decade of their lives, Driftglass and Blue Gal thank their listeners for sticking with facts, empathy, and each other through a year when all three were under constant assault.h/t @markeymarx on Bluesky for the cover artwork More at proleftpod.com.  Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodor Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

Driftglass and Blue Gal continue their review of 2025, covering May through August in this second part of their series. The hosts show how the Republican Party's corruption and chaos isn't something new or unexpected—it's exactly what the party has been building toward for decades through right-wing talk radio and Fox News. They walk through major events from those months, including media companies giving in to Trump's demands, the White House deleting official transcripts, federal agents being sent into cities, and military honors given to January 6th rioters. Throughout the episode, Driftglass and Blue Gal make clear that this disaster didn't happen by accident—Republicans got exactly what they voted for three times, and now everyone is living with the results.More at proleftpod.com.  Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodor Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com

It's our final roundtable of the year with the great Driftglass and Blue Gal from the Professional Left Podcast. I'm so grateful that they've taken an extra hour of their busy week to join me on Wednesdays a couple times a month. And there's absolutely more to come in the New Year. Today we talked about ACA subsidies, the news media's coverage of Donald's possible invasion of Venezuela, the Susie Wiles profile in Vanity Fair, predictions for 2026, and more. Proleftpod.com and patreon.com/proleftpod to support their show. Meantime, make sure to support this podcast by subscribing at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by Teni Rane.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Driftglass and Blue Gal reflect on what they call an "annus horribilis"—a genuinely awful year that fundamentally changed America as Trump's second term brought unprecedented corruption, chaos, and the erosion of democratic institutions. From Qatar's $400 million Boeing 747 bribe to Trump's crypto schemes and the $300 million White House ballroom boondoggle, they catalog the scandals that made 2025 feel like the longest decade of their lives. More at proleftpod.com.  Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodor Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

I don't mind saying, this is our best talk yet. You should be listening to Driftglass and Blue Gal on their show The Professional Left Podcast everywhere you get your podcasts. Today we talked about how the Georgia case against Donald Trump has been dismissed. We talked about what's next for congressional Republicans. We talked about Donald's meeting with Mamdani. We talked extensively about how best to fix healthcare. And so much more. Meantime, make sure to support this podcast by subscribing at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by Robinson and Rohe. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we're celebrating our first post-Blue Tsunami show! Democrats won across the board on Tuesday, and we're sleeping a little better. To quote Churchill: "This is not the end, but it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."Happy 21st blogiversary to the amazing Fran Blue Gal!Zohran Mamdani won NYC mayor with over 50% of the vote. And yet the Wall Street Journal immediately declared, "Election Wins Won't Ease Democratic Party's Troubles." And hoo boy Tucker Carlson just released a friendly interview with Holocaust-denying, Hitler-praising white nationalist Nick Fuentes. Why would THIS tear the Republican party apart?  It's The Heritage Foundation versus Ted Cruz, Mitch McConnell, Ben Shapiro, and Mark Levin?  Everyone in these circles is complaining about "thought police"—so much for the tolerant Right!Here's the sublime comedy: Never Trumpers who swore they never knew their party was full of bigots are now telling Ben Shapiro exactly what we told them. "You lying assholes! You built this thing."High comedy, indeed.Links for this episode: Driftglass and Blue Gal on the Bob Cesca Show https://www.bobcesca.com/the-bob-cesca-interview-driftglass-and-blue-gal-11-5-25/ Driftglass on the Nicole Sandler Show  https://nicolesandler.com/11-5-25/ Driftglass on the BradCast (with Brad Friedman, Digby, and Desi Doyen) https://bradblog.com/?p=15554 Not safe for work. Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance.Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodor Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

Driftglass and Blue Gal are here today to talk about this week's election results and what's next for our beleaguered democracy. We talked about Mamdani, we talked about the polls, we talked about how Donald Trump is screwing his own people, how the shutdown is unwinnable for the Republicans, and so much more. Make sure to subscribe to the Professional Left Podcast at patreon.com/proleftpod or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Meantime, make sure to support this podcast by subscribing at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by The John Payton Project.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we're recording on Driftglass's birthday while he's still battling a cold and sounding disturbingly like RFK Jr. meets Broderick Crawford—so we're keeping it simple and direct.Why should Democrats stop accommodating Republican sociopaths who inflict pain on their own base as leverage? And what happens when Democrats finally say "let them burn" instead of rushing to pay the ransom?Why are there focus groups with Trump voters but never with the Democratic base? Why is it always the Democrats' job to accommodate the ego, bigotry, stupidity, and paranoia of fragile white men? Why are on-air consultants auditioning for paydays by insisting Democrats move to the "reasonable center"? And what polls amazingly well that none of these hired guns want to talk about? (Hint: getting money out of politics.)Happy Birthday, Driftglass. Get well soon.  (And Happy Halloween, everyone!) Link for this episode:  The Editorial Board (John Stohr), "Republicans are used to burning their own people as leverage."  https://www.editorialboard.com/the-republicans-are-used-to-burning-their-own-people-as-leverage/ Not safe for work. Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance.Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodor Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

Does Driftglass with laryngitis sound like Brenda Vaccaro?  The podcasters disagree, YOU be the judge! (See you on Thursday, which is also Driftglass's 65th birthday!  Woot!) Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodDonate via PayPal:  https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/proleftpodcastor Donate in the Venmo App @proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

The dynamic duo of progressive podcasting are back in the house!!! We catch up on the news about the "No Kings" march and Donny McCheese Tits and his unholy renovations of the White House. We discuss the way forward for Democrats in the new year and participate in the game show "Who Dat Scumbag?" where we duel to identify the worst right wing toads of the month. There is fun and games as well as a possible puppet show. Pull up a chair and join us!!

In case you're just joining us, Driftglass and Blue Gal are the co-hosts of the Professional Left Podcast at proleftpod.com. You might also know Blue Gal, Frances Langum, from the legendary liberal blog Crooks & Liars. They're also regular guests on the Wednesday show every three weeks -- to class up the joint. Today we talked about the Israel-Hamas cease fire, we talked about the government shutdown and the ACA, we talked about the MAGA takeover of TikTok, and a lot more. Meantime, make sure to support this podcast by subscribing at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Meantime, make sure to support this podcast by subscribing at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by Richard Turgeon. Enter to win a chance to play D&D with Star Trek's Todd Stashwick, Jeri Ryan, Terry Matalas, Melissa Navia, and Eric Cordero -- pablove.org/roll.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two of the smartest podcasters around return for their regular visit. Don't forget – proleftpod.com and patreon.com/proleftpod. Today we had another freewheeling discussion about Charlie Kirk, Stephen Miller, censorship, the future of the MAGAverse, Jesse Watters wanting to bomb the UN building, and more. And, yes, we geeked out about the Season 3 finale of Star Trek Strange New Worlds. So, don't nobody move. Meantime, make sure to support this podcast by subscribing at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by Pasha Black.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A wide-ranging conversation with the incomparable Charlie Pierce of Esquire Magazine.  What should the Democratic base be doing now?  What should Democrats in Congress be doing now?  And what for which NFL team should Blue Gal and her daughter go all in?  (Driftglass has an opinion, and it starts with Da and ends with Bears.) More at proleftpod.com. Charlie Pierce image is a screenshot from, YES, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"  Forever, Jimmy! Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

If you aren't following the Professional Left Podcast, let that be your homework for today – subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player. They're two of the smartest, funniest people I know – overflowing with insights into the chaos of our politics – in that regard and so many others, it's an honor to talk with them every few weeks. Proleftpod.com to listen to their show. Do it now. Today we talked about the Epstein Files, Donald's tariffs, a little Star Trek at the end, and much more. Meantime, make sure to support this podcast by subscribing at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by Richard Turgeon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yes the Sonny and Cher of Progressive podcasting are back at The Bill Show. We russle through the headlines and discuss everything from Trump's newest threats to Blue States and his ongoing coup in the USA...to how old Twilight Zone episodes resemble our current political climate. Its a great episode...both fun and informative!!!! Enjoy!!!! Remember to donate to The Professional Left @ proleftpod.com!!!!  

How does a nineteenth-century Republican president, and a modern Republican vice president, handle low water levels? The answer may cost you taxpayer money!What drives Laura Loomer to call Marjorie Taylor Greene a "narcissistic witch" and "home-wrecking whore"?   Never mind!  Did you know Trump is all over the Epstein files? Are we witnessing fascist purity tests tearing apart Trump's inner circle? Cool!Why are dudebro influencers like Joe Rogan suddenly looking for exits from their propaganda machine?  We hazard a guess! Why are Candace Owens and Nick Fuentes hosting dramatic soap opera sessions about who said what to whom?  Hint: what are they NOT talking about?  Yes, all this chaos leads straight to Trump's desperate efforts to keep the Epstein files buried.  And when the lifeboats start launching from the sinking Trump ship, We. Know. Our. Job. Link for this episode:  Driftglass and Blue Gal on The Bob Cesca Show, 8/13/2025.  https://www.bobcesca.com/the-bob-cesca-interview-driftglass-and-blue-gal-day-8-13-25/ Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

Due to our August break next week, I though we'd bring back Driftglass and Blue Gal a little earlier than their usual every-three-weeks schedule -- because they're awesome and smart and we have great talks every time they're here. Be sure to support the Professional Left podcast everywhere you get your pods, and at proleftpod.com. Today we talked a little Star Trek, we talked a little history, we talked about the Trump-Epstein story, we talked about our roles as podcasters in the political debate, plus what's next for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and more. Meantime, make sure to support this podcast by subscribing at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by Luke LeBlanc.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The liberal power couple of Driftglass and Blue Gal return to the show. Not only did we cover just about everything circulating around Donald's coverup of his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein, but we also nerded out on Star Trek things, including the new season of Strange New Worlds. Plus, some West Wing discourse, Democrats vs fascist propaganda, and more. Be sure to support the Professional Left podcast at proleftpod.com. Meantime, make sure to support this podcast by subscribing at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by Bill Toms and Hard Rain.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Driftglass and Blue Gal from the Professional Left podcast are back today after their harrowing brush with a tornado warning last time they were here. This time Driftglass is fresh off an equally harrowing tooth extraction, but he's making the valiant effort to keep up appearances anyway. Today we talked about Donald's coverup of the Epstein client list, Elon Musk's new party, the return of American torture, the new Superman movie, and more. Proleftpod.com to support Driftglass and Blue Gal. Meantime, make sure to support this podcast by subscribing at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by Kilo Bravo.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hat tip to John Fetter-Manchin (copyright Driftglass), we're grudgingly back from our beach vacation (okay, we never actually left the Cornfield Resistance) to bring you the political chaos that just won't quit.This week, we dive into the summer breakup season hitting Washington hard. From senators throwing tantrums and storming out over Trump's latest budget disaster... to billionaire Twitter feuds that read like celebrity gossip... to Trump supporters getting a harsh reality check about what they actually voted for.We'll also cover Trump's new fragrance line (yes, really), handwritten notes to the Fed in Sharpie, and why Las Vegas tourism is cratering while the dollar takes its worst nosedive since 1973.Plus, we explore what happens when the MAGA movement starts eating its own, and Trump's ongoing mission to militarize American politics while politicizing the military.Fair warning: It's not safe for work, but it is safe for your sanity. Probably.Episode 913 recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance on July 1st, 2025Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

We're back from the Cornfield Resistance with another episode examining the eerie echoes of 2003 as familiar faces dust off their war-hungry talking points for another Middle Eastern adventure. We dive into the fascinating split happening in MAGA-land between isolationists and hawks, plus how certain unrepentant ghouls somehow found their way back onto our screens. There's also a delightful trip through our spam folder and the usual Trump chaos, including his latest "two weeks" promise. Oh, and this week, we survived another tornado siren while recording a podcast with Bob Cesca (linked below) because apparently, natural disasters follow us around.  Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance, where we remember stuff. Link for this episode:  Driftglass and Blue Gal on The Bob Cesca Show: https://www.bobcesca.com/the-bob-cesca-interview-driftglass-and-blue-gal-day-6-18-25/Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

This episode almost didn't happen due to a tornado! We were a few minutes into our talk when the tornado warning sirens began to go off near the Professional Left studio, so Driftglass and Blue Gal had to run down to their basement in case a tornado hit their house. But they reconnected to the show from the safety of their basement. And you're going to hear the whole thing on today's show – and by the way, we talked about Israel and Iran, we talked about immigration, we talked about the Trump Phones, the No Kings marches over the weekend – all of it. Be sure to support their podcast at proleftpod.com. Meantime, make sure to support this podcast by subscribing at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by Antiquity.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NOTE:  The shocking news of Senator Alex Padilla being forcibly removed and handcuffed at a Kristi Noem press conference simply for trying to ask questions as an elected official?  We cover that in the news round-up. In this week's episode, we take a brief break from documenting Republican authoritarianism to explore the 1948 film noir masterpiece "The Big Clock," but quickly return to the fascist dumpster fire by introducing you to Bo Loudon, an 18-year-old MAGA influencer who represents the toxic roots of today's Republican party through his grifter family's Mar-a-Lago connections and reality TV fame. We also cover the latest authoritarian nightmares, plus we celebrate the few voices of truth still speaking out against this madness.Link for this episode:  Driftglass (and Digby) on the BradCast with Brad Friedman and Desi Doyen.  https://bradblog.com/?p=15413 Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Support the show

The amazing Driftglass and Blue Gal from the Professional Left Podcast return for their regular visit. Proleftpod.com. Today, we talked about the Republican budget bill, we talked about lies and lying liars in the Trump regime, we talked about Democratic messaging, Donald's TACO nickname, and more. So, don't nobody move. And be sure to let us know what you think of our rotating schedule of Wednesday guests these days. Meantime, make sure to support this podcast by subscribing at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by The Metal Byrds.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Professional Left:Weather woes! Driftglass and Blue Gal welcome some special guests - tornado refugees (the two younger kids!) - as severe weather interrupts podcast preparations.A "No Fair Remembering Stuff" segment takes us back to 2008's bizarre tire pressure inflation controversy - and why it matters as a "telling detail" in the trajectory of Republican politics.Science Fiction University returns with a look at a particular time travel novel and its eerie parallels to current events involving South African connections to the Trump administration.How has the GOP's disinformation playbook evolved but remains unchanged, and what is its real purpose? Former President Biden's health news and the media's selective memory.Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at proleftpod.comSupport the show through PayPal at our website or mail contributions to:The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, IL 62791Not safe for work. Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance.Support the show

In this episode of The Professional Left Podcast, we return from our break to tackle the media's misuse of political vocabulary and how a certain pundit twists language to avoid placing blame where it belongs. We break down a prominent columnist's appearance on PBS that perfectly illustrates this problem, while examining how his myth of the "Sensible Center" continues to poison our discourse. Our news roundup covers troubling developments from the Trump administration alongside a few rays of hope from recent local elections and court decisions.  Join us for vocabulary lessons, media criticism, and proof that in America's partisan divide, one side is clearly the problem.Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Not safe for work.  Support the show

Blue Gal had a scheduling conflict today, so it's me and Driftglass for the hour. We talked about Donald's polling collapse and why people keep genuflecting to him. We talked about the recessionary GDP numbers. We talked about Donald's ridiculous interview with Terry Moran. We talked Andor Season 2, and a lot more. So stick around for this talk. Make sure to subscribe to the Professional Left Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and at proleftpod.com. Meantime, make sure to support this podcast by subscribing at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by American Beauties.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We discuss Chicago politics as 26-year-old progressive influencer Kat Abughazaleh challenges veteran Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who may be announcing her retirement after 14 terms in Congress.  Then we take a look at Trump's latest projection scheme as his DOJ targets ActBlue while conveniently ignoring WinRed's shady operations.  Both sides don't!  Only one for-profit fundraising platform skims millions off donations; we connect the dots on how money flows through our political system—and who's really pulling the strings. This episode might be shorter than usual as we prepare for a brief break, but we're packing in the analysis you won't hear anywhere else!Driftglass will be on the Bob Cesca Show AND the Bradcast on Wednesday 4/30, and we'll be back on the air next week! Stay in Touch! Email: proleftpodcast@gmail.comWebsite: proleftpod.comSupport via Patreon: patreon.com/proleftpodMail: The Professional Left, PO Box 9133, Springfield, Illinois, 62791Not safe for work.  Support the show

We replayed some of our talks last week, but this one is ALL NEW, recorded today, and it includes the breaking news about Donald backpedaling on his tariffs – for now. Plus, we talked about the news media's inability to contextualize. We talked about David Brooks's mea culpa. Plus, screwing tiny screws into iPhones, and more. Make sure to follow Driftglass and Blue Gal at proleftpod.com and everywhere you get your podcasts. Meantime, make sure to support this podcast by subscribing at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by Seth Adam.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From March 5, 2025. We're taking a short break this week to refuel the outrage tanks. But don't stop listening because we're presenting all three of my 2025 conversations with Driftglass and Blue Gal from the Professional Left Podcast – just in case you missed them the first time around. Support their show at proleftpod.com. Meantime, over on the Patreon page, we're posting some classic before-times episodes of the podcast featuring my late friend Chez Pazienza. Subscribe for at least $1 per month to listen at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by Marina Rocks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From February 12, 2025. We're taking a short break this week to refuel the outrage tanks. But don't stop listening because we're presenting all three of my 2025 conversations with Driftglass and Blue Gal from the Professional Left Podcast – just in case you missed them the first time around. Support their show at proleftpod.com. Meantime, over on the Patreon page, we're posting some classic before-times episodes of the podcast featuring my late friend Chez Pazienza. Subscribe for at least $1 per month to listen at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by At The Starlight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From January 22, 2025. We're taking a short break this week to refuel the outrage tanks. But don't stop listening because we're presenting all three of my 2025 conversations with Driftglass and Blue Gal from the Professional Left Podcast – just in case you missed them the first time around. Support their show at proleftpod.com. Meantime, over on the Patreon page, we're posting some classic before-times episodes of the podcast featuring my late friend Chez Pazienza. Subscribe for at least $1 per month to listen at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by Black Sugar Transmission.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.