Podcasts about medicare for all

Arlington National Cemetery has scrubbed from its website information and educational materials about the history of black and female service members. Also journalist Craig Unger joins the program to explain the difference between an asset and an agent. Do all roads lead to the inescapable and horrifying conclusion that Trump is a Russian asset?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thom is joined by David Sirota, founder & editor-in-chief of The Lever , Oscar-nominated writer (”Don't Look Up”), former speechwriter for Sen. Bernie Sanders presidential campaign. Topic: An oligarch-funded think tank is trying to preemptively undermine Medicare For All even before Democrats win back power. Some candidates are rejecting the ploy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's Episode #175 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!00:00-18:03: MSU & RxKids/Tone Deaf DemsPat Johnston covers how MAGA Michigan Republican House Speaker Matt Hall, along with MAGA House Republicans, are proposing a 62% cut to MSU & UofM in their 2027 budget. One reason Hall is attacking MSU is because the university is a sponsor to the popular Rx Kids program, which is a direct cash for parents program throughou the state. Then, establishment Michigan Democrats brought New Jersey Senator Cory Booker to speak just before the the party's endorsement convention last weekend. It's strange to have Senator Booker chide those who couldn't vote for Kamala Harris while he couldn't support fellow Democrat and NYC Mayor, Zohran Mamdani. 18:04-35:14: Aisha Farooqi For Congress InterviewProgressive Democratic Congressional candidate for Michigan's 11th District, Aisha Farooqi, talks with Pat about her campaign to represent and amplify Michigan's working class voice in Congress. Ms. Farooqi shares her story, including how she's the daughter of immigrants, how she used her law degree to fight for the underdog, and why we need more of a Democratic spine to push-back against the Trump Regime in Congress. More than that, she wants to push for policies to benefit the working class, including Medicare For All. Visit Aisha Farooqi's Campaign: https://aishaforcongress.com/Visit Aisha Farooqi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aisha_for_congress/Visit Aisha Farooqi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aishaforcongress35:15-49:52: Last Call on MDP Convention FalloutIn this week's "Last Call," Pat covers how establishment-corporate Michigan Democrats handled their losses at the Michigan Democratic Party's Endorsement Convention. Cries of "antisemitism" are being thrown-out there by the establishment even though the delegates nominated a Jewish candidate for Attorney General!49:53-52:56: EndingPlease, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES:Aisha Farooqi For Congress: https://aishaforcongress.com/"Opinion: Michigan deserves Medicare for All." By Aisha Farooqi in Detroit Metro Times "Michigan Dems back Garlin Gilchrist and Eli Savit, oust U-M's Jordan Acker." By Jordyn Hermani of Bridge Michigan "Michigan Democrats endorse Gilchrist for secretary of state, Savit for attorney general." By Andrew Roth of Michigan Advance "UPDATE: Whitmer signs bipartisan deal on tipped wage and sick time hours." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance "Cory Booker Faces Backlash After Voting for Jared Kushner's Father." By Newsweek "‘A Storm in Our Nation!' Cory Booker Turns the Volume up to 11 in Call for ‘Foot Soldiers' to Fight Back Against Trump." By Jennifer Bowers Bahney of Mediate (via Yahoo News)"Amir Makled defeats regent Jordan Acker at Democratic convention, to run alongside incumbent Paul Brown." By Glenn Hedin, Alexa Cheaney, and Brady Middlebrooke of Michigan Daily "Higher ed appropriations bill cutting over half of funding to MSU, U-M passes House subcommittee." By Katherine Dailey of Michigan Advance "The media blackout of Jared Kushner's historic, ongoing corruption scandal." By Judd Legum of Popular Information #podcast #politics #progressives #Democrats #Michigan #EliSavit #JordanAcker #Election #Election2026 #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #MattHall #RxKids #WorkingClass #FreeSpeech #Israel #Gaza #IranWar #MedicareForAll #AishaFarooqi #Immigration #ICE #Parents #HealthCare #Economy #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #PartyPolitics #EpsteinClass #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #Congress #LeftofLansing

Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's Episode #174 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!00:00-19:17: Joke John James/Trump Tax Cuts/Bridget BrinkMAGA Republican Michigan Congressman John James not only refuses to campaign in his run for Governor, or show-up to do his job in Congress, but he couldn't even be bothered to co-sponsor a resolution celebrating UofM's basketball team's national championship? We're in the Trump Regime's second year, and the economy is cratering for working class Americans. And, Pat highlights how the Democratic Party establishment is putting its might behind another supposed "moderate" over a progressive, working class candidate in the primary race for Michigan's 7th Congressional District.19:18-46:59: William Lawrence InterviewPat Johnston talks with William Lawrence, progressive Democratic candidate for Michigan's 7th congressional district. The district is currently held by MAGA Republican Tom Barrett, who continues to support The Trump Regime's anti-America First agenda in what is viewed as a toss-up district. Mr. Lawrence talks about his support for popular progressive policies, such as Medicare For All, opposing billionaire tech bro data centers, taxing the Epstein Class while ending Trump's War On Iran, and refusing to spend millions on Israel over the working class in America. Visit William Lawrence's CampaignVisit William Lawrence on InstagramVisit William Lawrence on Facebook47:00-54:17: Last Call MI Dem Senate RaceIn the "Last Call," Pat shares a new poll showing a three-way statistical tie in the Democratic Senate Primary race between Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, State Senator Mallory McMorrow, and "Ms. AIPAC" Haley Stevens.54:18-56:24: EndingPlease, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES:"Working Families Party bets on organizing to reshape Michigan politics." By Tom Perkins in Michigan Advance "In Barrett's backyard, Democratic candidates make their case to be his next challenger." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance "Demystifying Deep Green's proposed data center near downtown Lansing." By Kyle Davidson and Katherine Dailey of Michigan Advance "Barrett Campaign FOIAs High School Teacher's Email Over ICE Protest." By MIRS News "Michigan lawmakers strike deal on wages and tips — but not sick leave, yet." By Jordyn Hermani of Bridge Michigan (story on how Democratic State Senator Sam Singh spearheaded role to cut wage raises) "Former Michigan House Speaker gives Bridget Brink his seal of approval in 7th District race." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance "Brink: The fight for quality, affordable health care is personal." By Bridget Brink in The Lansing State Journal "EXCLUSIVE POLL: Michigan's Dem Senate Race Is Wide Open, AIPAC Is Toxic, Hasan Piker Is Not." By Andrew Perez of Zeteo "The 'bare bones' cost of raising a child has spiked: Here's why." By Chris Williams of Fox LIVE Now "Soaring gas prices leads to biggest monthly inflation spike in four years in March." By Christopher Rugaber of The AP "New from ITEP: Trump Tax Policies Raise Costs for Most Americans While Delivering Trillion-Dollar Benefits to the Wealthy." By The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy Photo of William Lawrence speaking at Michigan Capitol courtesy William Lawrence For Congress#podcast #politics #progressive #Democrats #Election2026 #WilliamLawrence #Michigan #TomBarrett #BridgetBrink #WorkingClass #Republicans #MAGA #EpsteinClass #JohnJames #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #DonorClass #Oligarchy #BigTech #DataCenters #Economy #BigBeautifulBill #MAGAMurderBudget #MedicareForAll #Israel #AIPAC #Gaza #Genocide #IranWar #Congress #SenateRace #AbdulElSayed #MalloryMcMorrow #HaleyStevens #AmericaFirst #Authoritarianism #Fascism #AbolishICE #Democracy #LeftofLansing

The Hassan Piker litmus test being pushed by Third Way president Jonathan Cowan includes a letter sent directly to Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, pressuring him to cut ties with Piker before planned college campus rallies. Hawk calls out this move as a political threat from an unelected think tank trying to dictate who Democratic candidates are allowed to campaign with. The Bulwark columnist Lauren Egan and journalist Andrew Perez of Zeteo both weighed in on the controversy, as did Bulwark contributor Tim Miller, whose livestream defense of common sense over factional infighting drew backlash from AIPAC-aligned media. Hawk also draws direct parallels to the treatment of Zohran Mamdani after his New York City Democratic primary win, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's widely condemned response to it. Third Way openly declared it will be the chief opponent of the left in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, targeting Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, and abolishing ICE. Hawk argues that an organization spending tens of millions against its own party base, rather than against Republicans, reveals exactly who controls the Democratic Party and why so many progressive voters feel politically homeless. SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk - Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawkeyewhackamole - Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mdg650hawk.bsky.social - Connect on Substack: https://mdg650hawk.substack.com - Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawkpodcasts - Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdg650hawk - Connect on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mdg650hawk ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Content Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTB

Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's Episode #172 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!00:00-19:15: John James, Elissa Slotkin, & No Kings RecapPat Johnston opens this week talking about Trump's and the right-wing Israeli government's War on Iran, and how it's costing working class Americans while thousands of Michiganders are losing their health care and paying higher gas and energy prices. He covers how MAGA Michigan Republican Congressman John James, who's running for governor, has missed many votes while in Congress. He briefly covers why Progressive Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is brilliantly bringing progressive Hasan Piker aboard for a college campaign tour. And Pat recaps a couple of mid-Michigan "No Kings" protests.19:15-49:00: Kyle Blomquist For Congress InterviewProgressive Democratic candidate for Michigan's 1st Congressional District Kyle Blomquist talks with Pat about his campaign for the northern Michigan seat held by MAGA Republican "Louisiana" Jack Bergman. Mr. Blomquist is running on a Medicare For All, affordable housing, abolishing ICE, and ending aid to Israel agenda. He explains how his progressive "America First" and working class agenda will help Democrats not only win in northern Michigan, but in other red areas in the state and country. Visit Kyle's campaign on InstagramVisit Kyle's campaign on FacebookVisit Kyle's campaign on X49:12-55:38: Last Call-MAGA Attacks Rx KidsIn the "Last Call," another MAGA Michigan state legislator makes-up stories about the successful Rx Kids program.55:39-57:55: EndingPlease, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNOTES:Kyle Blomquist For Congress"Kyle Blomquist on Running in Northern Michigan." From For Sake of the Argument with Lori Goldman "IM council member running for Congress." By Betsy Bloom of The Iron Mountain Daily News "‘Abolish ICE' vs. 'Deport illegals': UP candidates offer starkly different visions on immigration." By WJMN & WBUP in Marquette, MI "Fewer Americans calling themselves Republicans or Republican-leaning independents since 2015: Gallup data." By Emily Guskin & Elizabeth Schreier of ABC News "Michigan's El-Sayed unfazed by backlash against upcoming campaign event with Hasan Piker." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "John James Has Missed More Roll Call Votes Than Any Other Michigan Congress Member." By Deadline Detroit "Michigan GOP lawmaker's baseless Rx Kids abortion claim disputed by data, called ‘despicable.'" By Katherine Dailey of Michigan Advance  #podcast #politics #progressive #Democrats #Michigan #MAGA #Republicans #WorkingClass #Economy #WealthInequality #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Trump #IranWar #Israel #HealthCare #MedicareForAll #Housing #KyleBlomquist #UpperPeninsula #JackBergman #AbolishICE #RxKids #ChildCare #AmericaFirst #FamilyValues #Fascism #Authoritarianism #JohnJames #ElissaSlotkin #AbdulElSayed #Election2026 #VotingRights #Democracy #LeftofLansing

#podcast #politics #progressive #Michigan #Democrats #Republicans #MAGA #Trump #Election #Election2026 #DemocraticSocialism #CorporateCorruption #CorporateGreed #GovernmentCorruption #EpsteinFiles #EpsteinClass #HealthCareForAll #HealthCare #WorkingClass #AbdulElSayed #Economy #Vaccines #RFK #Measles #JohnFetterman #HaleyStevens #ICE #ConcentrationCamps #Gaza #Israel #WealthInequality #Fascism #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftOfLansingHere's Episode #167 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!00:00-16:40: Measles Back/HaleyStevens' Pro-Israel PACsPat Johnston opens the show talking about how measles are making a comeback in the country thanks to RFK Jr.'s "leadership." Is that Making America Healthy Again? Then, Pat highlights how Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Haley Stevens collects pro-Israeli lobby cash in order to fund her campaign. And this week, Stevens visited an ICE concentration camp in Baldwin, MI, and sounded like she was impressed how that camp hired several female ICE agents. Stevens is the illustration of why Democratic base voters are frustrated with Democrats.16:41-38:30: Abdul El-Sayed InterviewMichigan Progressive Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed talks with Pat this week. They discuss the concerns and frustrations he's been hearing on the campaign trail, why Medicare For All is what we need in this country, his response to those critical of Democrats who oppose Israel's genocide of Palestinians, and how to fight for the working class while the billionaire Epstein Class plays by different rules. Visit AbdulForSenate.comDr. Abdul will appear with Progressive Democratic State Senator Carrie Rheingans for a "Health Care For All" Town Hall on Sunday, February 22.38:31-47:00: Last Call-What's Going On With Gen X?In this week's "Last Call," Pat asks what's happened with Gen X, which appears to be the generation that most supports The Trump Regime's authoritarianism. 47:01-49:37: Ending/Next Show PreviewPlease, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!https://www.patreon.com/cw/LeftofLansingMusic provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardNOTES:Abdul For Senate Website"It's time for Democrats to play offense on healthcare." By Abdul El-Sayed in The Guardian "Michigan congresswomen get no answers on Baldwin ICE facility death during visit and tour." By Katherine Dailey of Michigan Advance "Stevens' Michigan U.S. Senate bid gets a boost from pro-Israel political action committee." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Michigan nurse goes without health insurance as ACA costs double for 2026." By Justin P. Hicks of MLive.com "‘Show Up for Us': 13 Democratic Voters on Trump, ICE and Their Frustrations With the Democratic Party." By The New York Times "Where does Fetterman fit among Democrats? | The Conversation." By Dasha Burns of Politico "Primary Occupation." By Ryan Grim of The Intercept "RFK Jr.'s Anti-Vax Nonsense Has Helped Spread Measles to Mexico." By Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling of The New Republic

On today's program, Kay Tillow, Nancy Crew, and Paul Hoppe, members of Kentuckians for Single Payer Health Care discuss the importance of getting a Medicare For All bill passed in Congress with special guest Randy Raley, who is a candidate for Congress from the 15th district in Southern Illinois. Mr. Raley is an advocate for Medicare for all and believes that health care is a human right. Due to the current administration's budget cuts to healthcare plus the tariffs that have been imposed by the administration, the large farming district that Mr. Raley would represent is being hammered on two fronts. Farmers are being priced completely out of the healthcare market and at risk of even losing their farms.

Wendell Potter was an insurance company executive for 20 years, until he had a crisis of conscience (in Tennessee) and now is a MEDICARE FOR ALL advocate. "The work I was doing was to mislead people."Our health care system is expensive, cruel, and broken. The time for Medicare for All is now.

This time on Code WACK! With millions of Americans poised to lose their health coverage due to government cuts to Medicaid and other health programs, what can you do to protect your health and access to care? If you find yourself uninsured, are there ways to get free or low-cost prescription meds and health care? To find out, we spoke with Rachel Madley, director of policy and advocacy at the Center for Health and Democracy. She previously served as health policy advisor to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and worked in the Office of Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Having struggled personally with a chronic medical condition, Rachel shares her firsthand experience staying alive despite America's cruel healthcare system. This is the first episode of a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

This time on Code WACK!  What will happen when Medicaid is slashed for millions of people as a result of Trump's H.R. 1, the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill?”  How will the largest rollback of the social safety net in over 50 years harm children, families, and rural communities – and what could it mean for states that recently expanded Medicaid, like North Carolina? To find out, we spoke to Jennifer Wells, director of Economic Justice at Community Change Action, where she leads the organization's work to advance policies and practices that improve the material conditions of low-income communities. This is the second episode in a two-part series.   Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.  

This time on Code WACK!  What's already changing for people with disabilities now that President Trump's “One Big Beautiful Bill” has been signed into law? From pediatric clinics closing their doors to looming cuts in home and community-based services, the fallout is just beginning — and it's hitting hard. Today we're joined by two staff members of Disability Rights California, Executive Director Andy Imparato and Policy Analyst Sabrina Epstein, who have been working to track the bill's impact and fight for the rights of those with disabilities across the state. This is the first episode in a two-part series with Disability Rights California. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.  

This time on Code WACK!  Imagine discovering that your infant child—your nine-month-old baby—has lead poisoning – a toxin banned from paint and phased out of gasoline decades ago. So why do thousands of children each year have dangerously high levels of lead in their system? We spoke with New York mom, nurse, and advocate Shannon Burkett, whose son Cooper developed lead poisoning that stole his words, halted his development, and nearly cost him his life. Shannon is also the writer, producer, and editor of the podcast LEAD: How This Story Ends Is Up to Us, which had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival 2025, starring Merritt Wever and Cynthia Nixon. She's a registered nurse, a mother of three, and a fierce voice in the fight to end lead poisoning. This is the first of a two-part series with Shannon Burkett. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.  

NEW INTERVIEW: REP. RO KHANNA @RoKhanna talks to @Kanew about needing 2 more Republicans with the courage to stop protecting pedophiles, why Dems should back Zohran, and why being silent on Gaza is not an option for anyone who wants to lead the party. (:25) the Epstein survivors presser(1:49) “we need 2 more Republicans”(3:17) what happened to protecting kids?(4:10) Dems must speak up on Gaza(6:50) the case for MEDICARE FOR ALL (9:35) Ro's thoughts on Schumer & Jeffries(11:16) AIPAC's influence (11:55) “A 5-Alarm Fire” for democracy + a vision of “economic patriotism”

This time on Code WACK!  What happens when millions are stripped of Medicaid coverage? Who shoulders the costs when hospitals are forced to care for more uninsured patients? And how will unions and the workers they represent bear the brunt of skyrocketing premiums, job losses, and a growing healthcare crisis?  Today we're joined by Cindy Young, a veteran labor negotiator and health policy advisor, and now vice president of the California Alliance for Retired Americans and of Healthy California Now. Cindy has spent decades fighting for healthcare justice and protecting workers' rights. She breaks down Trump's so-called One Big, Beautiful Bill, explains why unions are sounding the alarm and reveals what's really at stake for working families, seniors, and communities across America. This is the first episode in a two-part series in honor of Labor Day.   Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.   

This time on Code WACK!  What if California, Oregon, and Washington joined forces to win federal approval for universal, single-payer healthcare? Could a united West Coast shift the balance of power in America's healthcare debate?  To find out, we recently spoke with Michael Lighty, president of the single payer advocacy coalition Healthy California Now. Michael 's a founding fellow of the Sanders Institute, and he was healthcare constituency director for the Bernie 2020 campaign. Most recently, he co-wrote and was a leader in the successful campaign to enact California's Senate Bill 770, a critical step toward negotiating the federal waivers the Golden State needs to build a universal, publicly financed healthcare system. Join us as we explore how these three states are moving to collaborate toward a common goal — and why this could be a game-changer for patients, politics, and policy nationwide. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.

This time on Code WACK!  Why are some Americans choosing to go off the health insurance grid? For Lani Gonzales, entrepreneur and hypnotherapist, it was the mounting frustration with denials, delays … and ultimately being dropped by her health insurer through no fault of her own. So instead of reapplying she walked away—and pieced together a system for herself. Combining medical tourism, concierge medicine, a health share and even reclaiming her Philippine citizenship, Lani took an unconventional route to take control of her health care. What drove her to make these radical changes—and what can we learn from her journey? This is the second episode in a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.   

The answer to Medicaid cuts must be Medicare For All. It is broadly popular. Mamdani for NYC Mayor: The fight we've been waiting for.Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://politicsdoneright.com/newsletterPurchase our Books: As I See It: https://amzn.to/3XpvW5o How To Make AmericaUtopia: https://amzn.to/3VKVFnG It's Worth It: https://amzn.to/3VFByXP Lose Weight And BeFit Now: https://amzn.to/3xiQK3K Tribulations of anAfro-Latino Caribbean man: https://amzn.to/4c09rbE

THIS WEEK ON CODE WACK! As Trump Administration attacks on public health care ramp up, what's California doing to fight back? Can the state break free from a system that puts profits over patients — and build a truly universal, single-payer healthcare system? Or will political roadblocks and federal inaction keep us stuck in a broken status quo? Bottom line, how close can California - the 4th largest economy in the world - get to single payer on its own? To find out, we spoke with Michael Lighty, president of Healthy California Now who has organized, advocated and developed policy for single-payer Medicare for All nationally and in California for over three decades. He's a founding fellow of the Sanders Institute, and he was healthcare constituency director for the Bernie 2020 campaign. Most recently, he co-wrote and was a leader in the successful campaign to enact California's Senate Bill 770, a critical step toward negotiating the federal waivers the Golden State needs to build a universal, publicly financed healthcare system. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.   

This time on Code WACK!  What does freedom really mean when, in 2025, health care costs more than $31,000 a year for the average American family? This Independence Day, we're revisiting a powerful conversation about how single-payer healthcare could slash costs, unleash innovation, and expand access for all. Could it also help revive the American Dream of owning your own business? Ian Lewis, now with Unite Here Local 2 but at the time of this interview with National Union of Healthcare Workers, breaks down how our current system burdens small businesses, stifles entrepreneurship—and what a bold reform could change. Could Medicare for All be the key to greater financial security, opportunity, and true independence for millions of Americans? While Ian ends the interview on an optimistic note, the political context for healthcare reform has changed dramatically since this episode. Funding for public health insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare are on the chopping block and the threat of privatization is greater than ever.  Keep up with the latest news on health policy reform by subscribing for updates at heal-ca.org/take-action.  Check out the Show Notes and Transcript for more!  

THIS WEEK ON CODE WACK! As millions of Americans face losing their health coverage, what can single-payer advocates do right now to protect our care and push for something better? What's truly at stake for our country—and especially for its most vulnerable residents? To find out, we spoke to Michael Lighty, president of the Healthy California Now coalition and former constituency director for the Bernie 2020 campaign. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.   

#podcast #politics #progressives #Democrats #NoKinds #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #Democracy #WorkingClass #Michigan #Medicaid #Immigration #ICE #CarrieRheingans #Whitmer #MattHall #Trump #MAGA #Republicans #Authoritarianism #LeftOfLansing Here's Episode 138 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-15:11: No Kings Success/Where Were Dem Leaders? Pat Johnston applauds the No Kings rallies, but wonders if some Democratic Party "leaders" on both the state and national level are rising to the occasion of the moment. He also covers the hypocrisy of MAGA Michigan Republicans who push for Medicaid & SNAP work requirements while they left Lansing for a field trip to visit the Trump Regime this week. And Michigan Republicans are not backing down from their support of the MAGA Murder Bill. 15:12-46:13: Democratic State Rep. Carrie Rheingans Michigan progressive Democratic State Rep. Carrie Rheingans from 47th House District joins the show. Rep. Rheingans is a staunch advocate for the working class, and a staunch advocate to pass a Medicare For All bill in Michigan. And she provides ideas on how to both oppose MAGA while pushing progressive, common sense, working class policies. Rep. Rheingans talks about her MICare plan, as well as the uptick in political violence in the country, the failed leadership of MAGA Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall, the inspiration she saw at the "No Kings" rallies, and which direction Democrats must go in order to effectively fight back against the MAGA movement. 46:14-50:53: Last Call-Baldwin ICE Prison Pat's "Last Call" focuses on the reopening of an ICE detention facility in Baldwin, MI. 50:54-53:11: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: "Rheingans Reintroduces MiCare." From Michigan House Democrats "House GOP K-12 budget targets DEI, wraps school meals, other programs into per-pupil funding." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Back from DC, Michigan GOP leader backs Medicaid, food assistance cuts." By Jordan Hermani of Bridge Michigan "As resistance grows, Michigan Dems disagree on path to ‘take back our country.'" By Simon D. Shuster of Bridge Michigan "As ICE plans to move into Baldwin prison, residents hope jobs will stay." By Claire Keegan-Kugam IPR, Maxwell Howard of Bridge Michigan "ACLU Opposes Opening of North Lake Correctional Facility, the Largest Immigrant Detention Center in the Midwest." By ACLU of Michigan "State Rep. Carrie Rheingans holds coffee hour, decries “authoritarianism,“ calls on people to “march.'" By Fritz Swanson of The Manchester Mirror

This time on CodeWACK! How are big insurance companies dodging the very rules meant to protect patients — and turning our health care system into a profit machine for Wall Street? What can we the people do to stop it? Join us as we dive into the dark side of corporate loopholes, for-profit health care, and policy failure with Rachel Madley, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Center for Health and Democracy. A former FDA staffer and health policy advisor to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Rachel played a key role in crafting and reintroducing the House Medicare for All bill in 2023. With a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from Columbia University, she brings both scientific rigor and firsthand policy experience to this eye-opening conversation.   Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate

This week on CodeWACK! Medicare for All is back in the spotlight! With two new bills recently introduced in Congress, what makes these proposals different from earlier versions— and why are some advocates feeling hopeful, even in the current political climate? What would a truly public, universal health care system look like, and how could it help curb the soaring costs, corporate greed, and bureaucracy plaguing our current system? To unpack this, we spoke with Rachel Madley, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Center for Health and Democracy. A former health policy advisor to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal — lead sponsor of the House Medicare for All bill — Rachel helped shape and reintroduce the landmark legislation in 2023. She's also a former FDA staffer and holds a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from Columbia University, where she was active in both Physicians for a National Health Program and Students for a National Health Program. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

This week on CodeWACK! Single payer is back in the spotlight with Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Pramila Jayapal  submitting new Medicare for All bills for 2025-26! How will the upcoming National Day of Action on May 31st keep the need for healthcare reform in the spotlight? And how do physicians feel about single payer today, 60 years after the American Medical Association's infamous ‘stealth campaign' against socialized medicine (featuring none other than Ronald Reagan)?  To find out, we recently talked to Dr. Ana Malinow, who spent three decades working as a pediatrician with immigrant, refugee and underserved children before retiring as clinical professor of Pediatrics from UC San Francisco School of Medicine. The past president of Physicians for a National Health Program, she is on the steering committee of National Single Payer. She's also a lead organizer for The Movement to End Privatization of Medicare. This is the second episode in a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.   

This week on CodeWACK!   Why is National Single Payer organizing a National Day of Action on May 31 amid cuts and freezes to public health programs? How has an incremental approach to universal health care in America made comprehensive healthcare reform more difficult?  To find out, we recently talked to Dr. Ana Malinow, who spent three decades working as a pediatrician with immigrant, refugee and underserved children before retiring as clinical professor of Pediatrics from UC San Francisco School of Medicine. The past president of Physicians for a National Health Program, she is on the steering committee of National Single Payer. She's also a lead organizer for The Movement to End Privatization of Medicare. This is the first episode in a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.   

This time on CodeWACK!... What's it like operating an abortion clinic in Wyoming, one of the most anti-abortion states in the nation? Meet Julie Burkhart — longtime reproductive rights advocate, founder and CEO of Trust Women Foundation, which works to expand access to abortion care in underserved communities, and protégé of Dr. George Tiller, who was murdered for providing abortion care. Hear how Dr. Tiller's legacy lives on through her work.  Why are patients traveling hundreds of miles for abortion care, post-Roe? What's it been like to offer care in as state where arson, litigation, and political threats against reproductive care providers are part of daily life.   Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!  And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

This time on Code WACK!  Can our local health departments counteract the mixed messages given by RFK, Jr. the secretary of Health and Human Services, about vaccine safety and efficacy? What about us? How can we combat disinformation and highlight the benefits of vaccinating our children and ourselves? To find out, we spoke with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed—physician, epidemiologist, author, and county health commissioner. He is formerly the health director for the city of Detroit.  As the host of the award-winning America Dissected podcast, he breaks down the forces shaping public health for tens of thousands of listeners each week. This is the second of two episodes with Dr. El-Sayed.  Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

This time on Code WACK!  What could Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services mean for the public health of everyday Americans, given his history of vaccine misinformation? With measles already on the rise and deadly, and the looming threat of future pandemics, how might his leadership shape the nation's response to infectious diseases? To find out, we spoke with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed—physician, epidemiologist, author, and county health commissioner. He is formerly the health director for the city of Detroit.  As the host of the award-winning America Dissected podcast, he breaks down the forces shaping public health for tens of thousands of listeners each week. This is the first of two episodes with Dr. El-Sayed.    Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!  And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

Morning Joe guest Steven Rattner: "Do we really want to go back to #MedicareForAll?" Trump goes on world's most pathetic rant about a painting of him that he thinks is unflattering. David Pakman on TYT to discuss his new book. Turkey detains more than 1,000 in protests since Istanbul mayor's arrest. Hosts: Cenk Uygur SUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBE ☞ https://www.youtube.com/@TheYoungTurks FOLLOW US ON: FACEBOOK ☞ https://www.facebook.com/theyoungturks TWITTER ☞ https://twitter.com/TheYoungTurks INSTAGRAM ☞ https://www.instagram.com/theyoungturks TIKTOK ☞ https://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungturks

THIS TIME ON CODE WACK!   How is Ireland's plan for single-tier, universal health care, known as Sláintecare, funded? Is it sustainable long term? What improvements has the nation's healthcare system seen so far – and what can America learn from this? To find out, we spoke to Dr. Sara Burke, associate professor and director of the Centre for Health Policy and Management in Trinity College Dublin's School of Medicine.  She is the Principal Investigator of a research project entitled 'Health system foundations for Sláintecare implementation in 2020 and beyond …' and Co-Director of  SPHeRE, Ireland's national research training program for population health, policy and health services research. Her research interests include health policy, inequities in health, healthcare access and the politics of health reform. This is the second of two episodes with Dr. Burke. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

This time on Code WACK!  How did desegregation impact Black patients in America? What hasn't changed? What does racism in medicine look like today? And what should we do when we see it?  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. 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.

This time on Code WACK!  What did segregation look like in hospitals and medical facilities in America, and did it only extend to the South? What finally brought an end to the deadly practice that cost countless Black and Brown lives?  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 first of two episodes with Dr. Berney. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

This time on Code WACK!    What's at stake for Medicaid—the lifeline for millions of low-income Americans—under President Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress determined to slash spending? How would cutting Medicaid affect the more than 72 million people who rely on it for health care? And is Social Security next on the chopping block?  To break it down, we spoke with Alex Lawson, executive director of Social Security Works, an organization fighting to protect and expand Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid; lower drug prices; and ensure health care as a human right. This is part one of a two-part series.   Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

Max and 99 are back for Show Notes! They catch up with some movie talk and dive deep into the Non-Negotiables and hives. Enjoy! Chapters Intro: 00:00:20 Housekeeping: 00:19:47 Emails: 00:32:20 Memberships: 01:23:32 Outro: 01:24:59 Resources Join us on Bluesky and Discord Ken Lefkowitz: Medicare For All: An Economic Rationale Abdul El-Sayed and Micah Johnson: Medicare For All: A Citizen’s Guide Unf*cker Recommendations Michael Bazzell: Extreme Privacy: What It Takes to Disappear Electronic Frontier Foundation Kevin Mitnick: The Art of Invisibility + The Art of Deception The Guardian: US immigration is gaming Google to create a mirage of mass deportations UNFTR Episode Resources Housing First. A Civilian Labor Corps. Medicare For All. -- If you like #UNFTR, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: unftr.com/rate and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, TikTok and Instagram at @UNFTRpod. Visit us online at unftr.com. Buy yourself some Unf*cking Coffee at shop.unftr.com. Check out the UNFTR Pod Love playlist on Spotify: spoti.fi/3yzIlUP. Visit our bookshop.org page at bookshop.org/shop/UNFTRpod to find the full UNFTR book list, and find book recommendations from our Unf*ckers at bookshop.org/lists/unf-cker-book-recommendations. Access the UNFTR Musicless feed by following the instructions at unftr.com/accessibility. Unf*cking the Republic is produced by 99 and engineered by Manny Faces Media (mannyfacesmedia.com). Original music is by Tom McGovern (tommcgovern.com). The show is hosted by Max and distributed by 99. Podcast art description: Image of the US Constitution ripped in the middle revealing white text on a blue background that says, "Unf*cking the Republic."Support the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unftrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This time on Code WACK!    Why are some 200,000 Americans dying each year due to issues with their health insurance and access to care? Would a single payer healthcare system put a stop to this?  To find out, we interviewed Dr. James G. Kahn, an expert in health policy and economics, and advisor to Code WACK! and editor and primary blogger of Health Justice Monitor.      Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

This time on Code WACK!    The strong reactions to the tragic murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson by alleged killer Luigi Mangione are bringing renewed attention to the abuses of for-profit health insurance. How does our complex, costly, and callous for-profit healthcare system contribute to America's high mortality rate and how many people are believed to die each year as a result? To find out, we interviewed Dr. James G. Khan, an expert in health policy and economics, and advisor to Code WACK! and editor and primary blogger of Health Justice Monitor, a health policy blog.    Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

This time on Code WACK!    For the second episode in our two-part series on racism in medicine, in honor of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr, we're asking the question: What is racially concordant care and how does it help save lives? What else can be done to reduce deadly disparities in medicine?    To find out, we spoke to Dr. Uché Blackstock. Blackstock, author of the New York Times best-selling book “Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine,” which is now available in paperback.  She's also the founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity, an organization that aims to dismantle racism in healthcare and narrow racial health inequities. Blackstock was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in Global Health and one of the Top 13 Innovators Shaping the Future of Health by Fortune Magazine.   Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

This time on Code WACK!    Why have U.S. administrations from both sides of the aisle chosen to privatize Medicare and how has that complicated health care for patients? How do mega insurance companies benefit as a result? How much is all this costing us, anyway? And what can we do about it? To find out, we spoke with Wendell Potter, a former health insurance industry executive turned whistleblower, the New York Times bestselling author of Deadly Spin and the president of the Center for Health and Democracy. He's also the author of the Substack newsletter HEALTH CARE un-covered which chronicles out-of-control profiteering in U.S. health care, its impact on everyday Americans, and potential policy solutions.  Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

THIS TIME ON CODE WACK! In the wake of the recent presidential election, we're revisiting one of our favorite podcast episodes from 2023 about the hurdles America's Indigenous peoples face in accessing health care.  What's being done to help elder Native Americans receive culturally competent long term care? Would it surprise you to learn that relying on the Indian Health Service may not be enough to meet their needs? Why are some members of this highly vulnerable population buying health insurance too?  To find out, we spoke to Elder Billie Tohee, acting executive director of the Albuquerque-based National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) and former chair of the board. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

This time on Code WACK!    Why are seniors between a rock and a hard place when choosing between various Medicare options? How do private Medicare plans, known as Medicare Advantage, limit patients' options and why are they considered riskier than traditional Medicare? And what's the ‘Medigap Trap?' To find out, we spoke to Dr. Diljeet Singh, an integrative gynecologic oncologist and the incoming president of Physicians for a National Health Program [PNHP]. With more than 25,000 members across the United States, PNHP advocates for a universal, comprehensive, single-payer national health program. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!  

This time on Code WACK!  What can be done to protect health care for the most vulnerable in the aftermath of Trump's victory? What does another Trump administration mean for single payer both nationally and in the states? How do many union leaders feel about single payer, and why? If we had Medicare for All, what other benefits could unions bargain for? To find out, we recently interviewed Ada Briceño, chair of Orange County Democrats and co-chair of Unite Here Local 11, which represents tens of thousands of workers in hotels, restaurants, airports, and sports arenas in Southern California and Arizona. This is the second episode in a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!  

This time on Code WACK!  What could a Trump White House mean for your health care and your family's? What might it mean for public health at a time when the nation is still reeling from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic? And which populations stand to lose the most?  To find out, we spoke to Ada Briceño, chair of Orange County Democrats and co-chair of Unite Here Local 11, which represents tens of thousands of workers in hotels, restaurants, airports, and sports arenas in Southern California and Arizona. Ada is also a former National Steering Committee Member for the Labor Campaign for Single-Payer. This is the first episode in a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!  

Given voters' concerns over rising food and housing costs, Kamala Harris has pledged to combat price gouging if elected president, though she has yet to clearly lay out the hallmarks of the rest of her economic policy. In part 2, Bob Pollin, economist and advisor to U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Pramila Jayapal on Medicare For All, explains the meaning of price gouging and delves into the causes of inflation during the COVID pandemic. 

9-6-24 Driving With Dave Featuring Allie Phillips - Running For Office After Being Denied An Abortion - A Painful & Inspiring Story If you'd like to donate to Allie's campaign, you can do so here: https://www.allie4tn.com/go to patreon.com/daveneal for more bonus content!

A Chat About Improving Our Broken Health Care System with Kimberly Soenen Read about Kimberly Soenen on her substack here: https://substack.com/@somepeopleeverybodygo to patreon.com/daveneal for more bonus content!

In this episode, Tudor and Kyle Olson discuss a clip of Tom Bratton, a representative for Elissa Slotkin in Northern Michigan, making derogatory comments about Republicans. They analyze the significance of his statements in a traditionally Republican area and how it contradicts Slotkin's image as a bipartisan candidate. They also highlight the use of trackers in political campaigns and the story of Slotkin threatening a tracker who asked her about joining the Medicare for All caucus. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Slotkin signing an NDA to keep information about a Chinese company secret from Michigan taxpayers. The Tudor Dixon Podcast is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network. For more visit TudorDixonPodcast.comFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Tudor and Kyle Olson discuss a clip of Tom Bratton, a representative for Elissa Slotkin in Northern Michigan, making derogatory comments about Republicans. They analyze the significance of his statements in a traditionally Republican area and how it contradicts Slotkin's image as a bipartisan candidate. They also highlight the use of trackers in political campaigns and the story of Slotkin threatening a tracker who asked her about joining the Medicare for All caucus. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Slotkin signing an NDA to keep information about a Chinese company secret from Michigan taxpayers. The Tudor Dixon Podcast is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network. For more visit TudorDixonPodcast.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ady Barkan was a lion for healthcare justice. After his diagnosis with ALS, he spent his final years fighting for Medicare for All. Ady passed away this month at 39. We go back into the AD archives to 2019, when Abdul sat down with Ady to learn about his activism and his hopes for the America he'd leave his kids.