Podcast
The Lean to the Left Podcast
Hosted by Bob Gatty · EN
Welcome Thoughtful Americans
If you're a progressive concerned about political & social issues? You belong HERE at Lean to the Left, where you'll find no-holds-barred commentary, current political news, interviews with fascinating people, top experts, and others with incredibly interesting stories to tell. In fact, you'll never know who'll show up at Lean to the Left. It's unique and compelling journalism with a splash of humor and a dash of sarcasm.
I'm your host, Bob Gatty, presenting my take on what's happening today from a liberal, progressive perspective. You'll find info and commentary about issues like the environment, human rights, health, racism, education and other issues of concern today.
I co-authored "Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump's Attack on America's Greatness", two volumes of essays about Trump's dangerous policies. Links: Vol. 1: https://amzn.to/3WNrfjH; Vol. 2: https://amzn.to/3SSsGMM. Meanwhile, my co-author, CJ Waldron and I, are hard at work on a follow-up volume, bringing readers up to date on developments since those editions were published. So, watch for that on Amazon.
The Lean to the Left podcast, now completing its fourth year, was launched as part of our blog site, LeantotheLeft.net, which had its beginnings in 2017 in response to Donald Trump’s bullying and name-calling tactics and his attacks on the mainstream news media. Our goal was to set the record straight on Trump’s claims and divisive rhetoric, which has continued through his defeat by President Joe Biden, unfounded claims of election fraud, the January 6, 2021 insurrection, and his efforts to regain the Presidency.
I bring to this effort a wealth of experience as political journalist and editorial services company president, previously having served two members of Congress, one Republican and the other a Democrat, as chief of staff and press secretary. ,
If you share these concerns and want to stay abreast of key political developments with insight from experts and pointed commentary tinged with humor, please subscribe to this channel . For more info, please visit my website.
Website leantotheleft.net
Lean to the Left Podcast
29episodes
Episodes
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Investigative Journalist Nick Bryant: The Epstein Cover-up Never Ended
1w ago00:25:06Tap to summarizeWhat really happened in the Jeffrey Epstein case — and why do so many Americans believe the full truth is still being hidden?Investigative journalist Nick Bryant joins the Lean to the Left podcast to discuss his 15 years-long investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, alleged government cover-ups, trafficking victims, blackmail claims, and why he says “the cover-up never ended.”Bryant helped bring worldwide attention to the Epstein scandal after publishing Epstein’s “Black Book” and flight logs online in 2015. He is also the author of Compromised: The Politics of Sex, Lies, and Blackmail and director of the nonprofit organization Epstein Justice.In this interview, Bryant discusses:🔥 Why he believes multiple administrations protected Epstein🔥 Claims of a broader trafficking and blackmail network🔥 The significance of Epstein’s Black Book and flight logs🔥 Ghislaine Maxwell’s conviction and unanswered questions🔥 Alleged failures by the DOJ and FBI🔥 Why victims still haven’t received full justice🔥 The push for an independent congressional investigationBryant also explains why he believes both Republicans and Democrats have failed to fully expose the Epstein network and what Americans can do to demand transparency.Another nugget: Bryant believes Epstein was murdered in his cell, that he did NOT commit suicide as the government claims.👉 Learn more about Epstein Justice: https://EpsteinJustice.com👉 Visit Nick Bryant’s website: https://NickBryantNYC.com👉 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for more interviews and political commentary.Lean to the Left: Stay Informed. Speak Up. Join the Conversation.#JeffreyEpstein #NickBryant #EpsteinFiles #EpsteinCoverup #GhislaineMaxwell #InvestigativeJournalism #HumanTrafficking #Politics #LeanToTheLeft #BobGattyCHAPTERS:00:00 – Intro: Epstein Questions Won’t Go Away01:05 – Why Nick Bryant Started Investigating Epstein02:15 – The Franklin Scandal Connection03:00 – Discovering Epstein’s Black Book03:45 – Victims Speak Out04:20 – Epstein’s Inner Circle & Sarah Kellen05:10 – “Epstein Was Protected”06:00 – DOJ, FBI & Acosta Controversy07:05 – Bryant: “The Coverup Never Ended”07:45 – Why Bryant Rejects the Official Narrative08:30 – Victims Failed by the Justice System09:30 – Compensation Program Controversies10:10 – Claims About the Scale of Abuse10:40 – Why Transparency Matters11:20 – The Push for an Independent Commission12:00 – Inside Epstein Justice12:45 – Political Support on Capitol Hill13:00 – What Was in Epstein’s Black Book?13:50 – Alleged Blackmail Operations14:35 – Secret Surveillance Rooms Explained15:20 – Did Epstein Die by Suicide?16:00 – Theories About a Larger Organization17:00 – The History of Political Blackmail18:00 – Why Ghislaine Maxwell Became the “Fall Guy”18:50 – Will There Ever Be More Prosecutions?19:30 – Bryant’s Long Fight for Accountability20:15 – Why He Focused on Child Trafficking Cases22:00 – How to Support Epstein Justice22:40 – Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks
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Why People Are Going Broke From Medical Debt in the US Trying to Stay Healthy
2w ago00:33:47Tap to summarizeWhy are Americans going broke trying to stay healthy? The real question is why is healthcare in America so expensive in the first place — and who profits from it?On this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, Bob Gatty talks with Dr. Adam Cunningham, founder of Sylk Health, about the hidden costs of healthcare, the medical debt crisis, and why millions of Americans are struggling to afford treatment.They discuss:• Why hospital pricing is intentionally hidden• How medical debt drives bankruptcy in America• Why healthcare has become a social justice issue• The shocking cost differences between U.S. and overseas treatment• Medical tourism and affordable care abroad• Insurance companies, hospital lobbying, and pharmaceutical profits• Medicare, supplemental insurance, and rising costs for seniors• Alzheimer’s care and the crushing financial burden on families• Why meaningful healthcare reform remains so difficultDr. Cunningham explains how Sylk Health compares medical procedure costs between the U.S. and accredited hospitals in China, giving patients new options when facing massive medical bills.This conversation goes beyond politics and gets to the heart of a broken healthcare system that leaves working families drowning in debt while corporations profit.🔔 Subscribe for more progressive political commentary, interviews, and analysis from the Lean to the Left podcast.💬 What has YOUR experience been with healthcare costs in America? Share your story in the comments.🌐 Visit: Lean to the Left🌐 Learn more about Sylk Health#Healthcare #MedicalDebt #HealthcareReform #MedicalTourism #Medicare #BigPharma #HealthcareCosts #SocialJustice #LeanToTheLeft #progressivepoliticsexplained CHAPTERS:00:00 – Intro: Healthcare as a Social Justice Issue01:00 – Meet Dr. Adam Cunningham of Sylk Health02:00 – Why U.S. Healthcare Prices Are Hidden03:05 – Hospitals Profit From Patient Confusion04:10 – Why Americans Never See Prices Up Front05:00 – Medical Debt and Bankruptcy in America06:00 – Americans Seeking Treatment Abroad07:05 – The Shocking Cost of Hip Replacement Surgery08:00 – Why Many People Avoid Medical Care09:00 – Medicare, Supplemental Insurance & Rising Costs10:05 – Bob Discusses Alzheimer’s Care Expenses11:15 – Why Long-Term Care Is Financially Crushing Families12:20 – Wealth Extraction in the Healthcare Industry13:15 – Understaffed Memory Care Facilities14:30 – How Other Countries Handle Elder Care15:20 – Should America Have Medicare for All?16:30 – Why Healthcare Reform Is So Difficult17:00 – What Sylk Health Actually Does18:00 – Comparing U.S. vs China Surgery Prices19:15 – The Rise of Medical Tourism20:15 – Why Healthcare Costs Keep Rising21:00 – Can the American Healthcare System Change?22:00 – Politics, Lobbyists & Healthcare Money24:00 – Hospital Price Transparency Failures25:00 – Why Most Hospitals Ignore Transparency Laws26:00 – Insurance Companies vs Patients27:00 – Outrageous Hospital Markups Exposed28:30 – Pharmaceutical Advertising & Lobbying30:00 – Big Pharma’s Influence on Congress31:00 – How to Learn More About Sylk Health32:00 – Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks
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America’s Healthcare Crisis Exposed: Dr. Erica Urquhart on Insurance Companies, Greed and Broken Care Systems
3w ago00:33:21Tap to summarizeWhy is healthcare in America so expensive — and why do insurance companies seem to control so much of the system?On this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, orthopedic surgeon and author Dr. Erica Rowe Urquhart joins Bob Gatty to expose what she calls the “hidden cause” of America’s healthcare crisis. Drawing on two decades of frontline medical experience, Dr. Urquhart explains how insurance companies use prior authorizations, retroactive denials, confusing billing systems, and corporate-driven policies to delay care and maximize profits — often at the expense of patients and doctors alike. Topics discussed include:• Why healthcare costs are hidden from patients• How insurance companies profit from delaying care• The burden of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement systems• Why doctors spend huge amounts of time on paperwork instead of patients• How AI could help modernize healthcare administration• Prescription drug pricing and pharmaceutical greed• Trump and the Affordable Care Act• Whether Medicare for All is realistic• The future of independent medical practicesDr. Urquhart’s book, The Invisible Hand Wielding the Scalpel: The Hidden Cause of America’s Health Care Crisis, is an Amazon bestseller and offers an insider’s look at how corporate healthcare impacts real people every day. 👉 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for progressive political commentary, expert interviews, and discussions on the issues shaping America today.#Healthcare #Medicare #InsuranceCompanies #HealthcareReform #LeanToTheLeft #ProgressivePolitics #MedicalCosts #AffordableCareAct #AIinHealthcare #BigInsuranceCHAPTERS:00:00 – Intro: America’s Healthcare Crisis01:02 – Why Healthcare Became a “Race to the Bottom”02:45 – Insurance Companies vs. Patient Care04:10 – Are Delays and Denials Intentional?05:30 – Why Patients Never Know Healthcare Costs Up Front08:05 – The Confusing Reality of Medical Billing10:05 – Medicare, Medicaid and Low Reimbursements12:10 – What “Utilization Management” Really Means13:15 – Why Older Patients Get Denied Care15:10 – The Burden of Insurance Regulations on Doctors17:25 – How Medical Practices Are Forced Into Bureaucracy18:05 – Can AI Fix Healthcare Administration?19:10 – Why Insurance Standards Make No Sense20:00 – Electronic Records and the “Dark Ages” of Healthcare21:45 – Bob Gatty’s Personal Experience With Orthopedic Surgery22:10 – Is Medicare for All Realistic?23:30 – How Healthcare Costs Are Crushing Families24:15 – Trump and the Affordable Care Act25:20 – Why Prescription Drug Prices Are So High27:05 – The Five-Letter Word Driving Healthcare: “Greed”27:40 – The Best Part of Being an Orthopedic Surgeon29:20 – The Biggest Challenges Facing Doctors Today30:20 – Why Independent Medical Practices Are Disappearing31:10 – Why Dr. Urquhart Wrote Her Book32:10 – Final Message: There Is Still Hope for Healthcare Reform📌 America’s healthcare system is supposed to care for patients — so why do insurance companies seem to control everything?In this eye-opening conversation, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Erica Urquhart explains how prior authorizations, claim denials, hidden billing practices, and corporate greed are driving America’s healthcare crisis while patients and doctors pay the price.💬 Have you or your family ever struggled with insurance denials, outrageous medical bills, or delays in care?Share your story in the comments.🎧 Watch the full interview here and don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT and SUBSCRIBE to Lean to the Left for more conversations that matter.#HealthcareCrisis #HealthcareReform #InsuranceCompanies #Medicare #LeanToTheLeft
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US Healthcare Crisis: Why Americans Are Sicker Despite Spending More on Healthcare
4w ago00:42:50Tap to summarizeUS Healthcare Crisis: Why are Americans sicker—and dying younger—despite spending more on healthcare than any country in the world?In this eye-opening episode of Lean to the Left, Bob Gatty interviews physician and author Steven Bezruchka, whose new book Born Sick in the USA exposes the real reasons behind America’s declining health.👉 It’s not just healthcare.👉 It’s inequality.👉 It’s early childhood conditions.👉 It’s political choices.Bezruchka reveals:Why U.S. healthcare spending doesn’t translate into better outcomesHow income inequality is literally shortening American livesWhy early childhood (the first 1,000 days) determines lifelong healthHow U.S. policies compare to other wealthy nationsWhy even wealthy Americans are less healthy than their peers abroadThe dangerous role of profit-driven healthcare💡 Key takeaway: Healthcare accounts for only about 10% of what keeps us alive—the rest is driven by social and economic factors.This conversation will challenge everything you think you know about health in America.📘 Learn more about Born Sick in the USA and how policy decisions shape your health.Here's an Amazon link for the book: https://amzn.to/4nqwYsV👍 LIKE | 💬 COMMENT | 🔔 SUBSCRIBESupport independent media: Lean to the LeftCAPTIONS:01:12 Why US Health Lags02:20 Measuring Health by Mortality04:36 Inequality and Early Life05:52 Healthcare Only 10 Percent07:42 Health Not Individual Control09:52 Why Politics Ignore It11:13 Health Olympics Gap13:05 Money in Politics14:05 Trump Policies and Inequality20:00 Universal Healthcare Debate20:59 Vaccines and Personal Freedom22:34 Pledge and Indoctrination23:27 ER Medicine Then and Now24:05 Billing Incentives Begin25:06 EMRs Built to Upcode26:43 Systems Dont Talk27:30 Medicare Bills Confusion29:01 Medicare Changed Money29:54 When Care Causes Harm32:04 Private Equity Takeover33:54 Born Sick Explained36:35 Where to Get Books38:15 Healing America Channel40:32 Healthy in Debt Social41:30 Substack and Signoff
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What If Aliens Fixed America? Sci-Fi Author Paul McGrath Takes on Guns, Militias & MAGA
Apr 2700:26:39Tap to summarizeWhat if aliens could fix America’s biggest problems?In this episode of Lean to the Left, host Bob Gatty conducts a fascinating interview with author Paul McGrath about his mind-bending sci-fi series Terran Incognito—including his latest book Left Is Right.McGrath uses alien characters to tackle real-world issues like:Gun violence in AmericaMilitia extremismHuman traffickingPolitical division and MAGA influenceA former journalist, McGrath explains how fiction allows him to say what he couldn’t in the newsroom—and why today’s political climate is giving him more material than ever.👉 What happens when all civilian guns suddenly disappear?👉 Can satire expose truths politics ignores?👉 And what would outsiders think of America today?This is sci-fi with a purpose—and a warning.📚 Get Paul McGrath’s book: https://amzn.to/3OqXNA5👍 Like, share, and subscribe for more interviews and commentary on politics and social issues.CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome and UFOs01:22 Meet Paul McGrath03:07 Origin Story Uvalde to Sci Fi05:00 Journalism to Social Satire07:24 Publishing Delays and Amazon09:04 Guns Vanish What If11:17 Human Trafficking Texas Angle12:39 Why Left Is Right14:45 Trump Iran and Interference20:05 Writing Amid Trump Chaos23:18 Misinformation MAGA and AI24:50 Where to Buy and Wrap Up26:11 Final Thanks and Subscribe
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Is the FBI Targeting Dissent in America? Are We in a Police State?
Apr 1900:30:15Tap to summarizeIs the FBI being used to target political dissent in America? Is Trump creating a police state in America?In this revealing interview, retired FBI agent Eric Robinson joins Lean to the Left to expose what’s really happening inside federal law enforcement—and how political pressure may be shaping investigations.Robinson, who served 24 years in the FBI—including work tied to January 6 cases—offers a rare insider perspective on:+ Trump-era directives targeting “left-wing dissent”+ The truth about Antifa investigations+ How FBI priorities shift under different administrations+ First Amendment concerns and law enforcement limits+ The reality of January 6 cases inside the Bureau+ Why the Epstein case represents a major failure of justiceHe also shares his remarkable personal journey—from Baptist minister to FBI SWAT team member—and how his experiences reshaped his views on faith, justice, and America.This is a candid, thought-provoking conversation you won’t hear anywhere else.CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome and Setup00:23 FBI Training Local Police03:22 How Directives Reach Field07:20 Two FBIs Explained08:53 January 6 Case Fallout10:47 Notable Cases and BLM Fraud14:22 From Pastor to FBI16:12 Faith Deconstruction and Family20:45 Epstein Files and Accountability22:23 Book Announcement and Release26:35 Beard Rules and SWAT Story28:04 Wrap Up and Thanks👉 Subscribe for more interviews that focus on substance, not sensationalism.
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What if Elections are Rigged Before You Even Vote?
Apr 1900:20:21Tap to summarizeWhat if Elections are Rigged Before You Even Vote? We're not talking about Trump's actions designed to curtail voting from non-supporters or the Democrats' efforts to increase voting from their likely supporters. We're talking about the system itself.On this episode of Lean to the Left, host Bob Gatty speaks with entrepreneur and reform advocate Tom Joseph to explore a bold, outside-the-box solution that could fundamentally change how candidates are chosen—and who really holds power in our elections. It's a system intended to make the nominating process fair for all, regardless of party affiliation.Joseph introduces Wilson’s Fountain and the Main Street Party, a technology-driven initiative designed to:• Put voters—not party insiders—in control• Eliminate backroom deals in candidate selection• Challenge gerrymandering and political gridlock• Open the door to true competition in every districtAt the heart of his idea is a powerful concept:👉 “The people are the whip.”Instead of politicians controlling the system, this model flips the script—giving everyday Americans the power to evaluate candidates, shape nominations, and demand accountability.But can it actually work?And more importantly… will the political establishment ever allow it?🎧 Watch the full conversation and decide for yourself. 🔔 Subscribe & Stay Engaged👉 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for bold conversations, political insight, and solutions that challenge the status quo.👉 New episodes weekly. 💬 Join the ConversationDo you think the two-party system is broken?Could a system like this actually work?Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇 🔗 Learn More🌐 Main Street Party: https://mainstreetparty.orgCHAPTERS:0:00 – Is the Two-Party System Broken?1:12 – Meet Tom Joseph & The Big Idea3:45 – What Is Wilson’s Fountain?6:20 – Rethinking How Candidates Are Chosen9:10 – “The People Are the Whip” Explained12:05 – How the Main Street Party App Works15:40 – Giving Voters Real Power18:25 – The Role of Students & Tech Innovation21:10 – Fighting Gerrymandering24:30 – Resistance from the Political Establishment27:15 – Can This Actually Work?30:05 – What Happens Next?32:10 – Final Thoughts: A New Path Forward
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Can Democrats Win in Red States? The Dixie Dems Take on Southern Politics
Apr 600:44:23Tap to summarizeIs the South really as “red” as it seems—or is something shifting beneath the surface? Can Democrats actually win in red states with the right strategy?In this powerful episode of Dixie Dems, host Bob Gatty is joined by co-hosts Arthur Hill (North Carolina Democratic Party leader) and Robert Thompson (Georgia-based podcaster) to explore the evolving political landscape across the South.🎙️ Special Guest: Grace CowanFounder, organizer, and co-host of the Frogmore Stew podcast, Grace shares how grassroots efforts in South Carolina are challenging the status quo—even in heavily gerrymandered districts.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Democrats are running candidates in every single South Carolina state legislative district—even the toughest ones--for the first time in many years.How gerrymandering has shaped Southern politics—and how activists are pushing backThe strategy behind forcing “safe seat” politicians to actually competeWhy grassroots organizing could reshape the South’s political futureThe importance of messaging, identity, and voter engagementWhat’s next for South Carolina and the broader Southern political landscape💡 Key Takeaway:Progress doesn’t only come from winning elections—it comes from showing up, organizing, and refusing to concede entire communities.👉 Subscribe for more progressive conversations:Lean to the Left Podcast👉 Listen to more Dixie Dems episodes:https://podcast.leantotheleft.net👉 Follow & Support the Movement:Your voice matters—especially in the South.CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome to Dixie Dems01:23 Hair Talk Cold Open02:46 Run Every Seat Strategy04:57 North Carolina Playbook06:45 Expose Gerrymandering08:44 Voting Rights Crackdown10:43 Disruptor Ads Approach11:37 Annie Andrews vs Graham14:52 Democrats Need Branding19:44 Sanford and Mace Drama21:04 South Carolina Governor Race22:00 Candidate Scandal Fallout22:47 Jermaine Johnson Stays In24:00 Building the Party Bench25:08 Name Recognition Matters28:16 Training Candidates Basics29:30 Gerrymandering Workarounds31:17 Straight Ticket Voting Tricks33:38 Trump Mail Voting Hypocrisy36:20 MAGA Media Silo Explained37:34 Voting by Class Debate41:03 Frogmore Stew Podcast Plug43:52 Wrap Up and Thanks
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He Promised Peace Now Americans are Dying
Mar 2800:01:24Tap to summarizeMillions of Americans are marching in “No Kings” rallies across the country—and for good reason.In this commentary, Bob Gatty breaks down the growing gap between Donald Trump’s campaign promises and today’s reality, including a new conflict with Iran that has already cost American lives.This isn’t just politics—it’s about accountability, democracy, and the future of the country.👉 Subscribe to Lean to the Left👉 Join the conversation👉 Share this episode#NoKings #Trump #Politics #Democracy #Protests
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Laura VanWormer: Who's Worse? Nixon vs Trump?
Feb 2300:27:56Tap to summarizeRichard Nixon came within a gnats eyelash of being impeached over the Watergate scandal, but ended up resigning instead. Despite some of his positive achievements, he is generally considered a bad president. But what about Trump? Is he worse?In this episode of Lean to the Left, host Bob Gatty is joined by novelist and podcaster Laura VanWormer, creator of the serialized audio fiction podcast Class of ’74.The conversation explores the dynamics of political power through a compelling comparison of Donald Trump and Richard Nixon, with VanWormer offering a provocative take on why Nixon—despite his flaws—represented a more functional form of leadership.Laura also shares her deeply personal journey following a devastating car accident that forced her to step away from writing novels—and how that loss unexpectedly gave rise to Class of ’74, a podcast that blends 1970s nostalgia, political backdrop, and soap-opera storytelling into a modern audio experience enjoyed by listeners around the world.This episode is a reflection on:• Political leadership and historical perspective• Resilience after personal tragedy• Podcasting as a new literary frontier• Humor as a survival tool in dark political timesThoughtful, funny, and deeply human, this conversation is a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling—and the importance of laughter when confronting history and the present moment.👉 Subscribe for more conversations on politics, culture, and the people shaping how we understand them.👉 Like & share if you believe stories still matter.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Lean To the Left00:29 Comparing Trump and Nixon01:00 Introducing Laura VanWormer01:13 Laura's High School Reunion and Podcast01:55 Weather and Small Talk03:13 Details About the Class of 74 Podcast09:00 Laura's Personal Story and Accident11:45 The Impact of Laura's Podcast13:20 Writing and Voices13:38 Trump vs. Nixon14:12 Nixon's Environmental and Media Policies15:21 Nixon's Downfall and Resignation16:33 Personal Reflections on Nixon Era17:09 Nixon's Draft and Popularity20:32 Comparing Nixon and Trump21:25 High School Memories and Politics23:34 Teenagers and Social Media25:26 Books and Writing Career26:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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