The Lean to the Left Podcast
by Bob Gatty
Welcome, Thoughtful Americans If you're concerned about the future of our democracy, social justice, human rights, the environment, healthcare, or political extremism, you belong here at Lean to the Left. Hosted by veteran journalist and political commentator Bob Gatty, Lean to the Left delivers sharp progressive commentary, timely political analysis, engaging interviews, and conversations with fascinating guests — from authors, activists, and political insiders to everyday people with extraordinary stories. No scripts. No corporate spin. No sugarcoating. Just independent journalism, honest discussion, a little humor, and the occasional dose of sarcasm. Now in its sixth year, the Lean to the Left podcast grew out of the LeantotheLeft.net blog, launched in 2017 in response to Donald Trump’s attacks on democratic institutions, the mainstream press, and basic political norms. Since then, the show has continued to challenge misinformation, expose political
Episodes
-
Could South Carolina Flip the Senate? Annie Andrews Makes Her Final Pitch
Could South Carolina deliver a political earthquake that changes control of the U.S. Senate? Democrat Annie Andrews is challenging Republican Sen. Darline Graham in one of the most surprising races of the 2026 midterm elections. A New York Times/Siena poll released October 28 shows Andrews and...
-
Courtney McClain on Trump, Timmons & South Carolina's Future
At 25, Courtney McClain is challenging South Carolina's political establishment—and she's bringing a new generation's perspective to the race for Congress. In this first edition of Lean to the Left Special Reports, host Bob Gatty interviews Courtney McClain, the Democratic candidate challenging...
-
Lean to the Left Podcast Signing Off After Nearly 850 Episodes
After nearly 850 episodes, I’ve made the difficult decision to bring the Lean to the Left podcast to a close, at least for the foreseeable future. My wife, Jackie, passed away on August 15 after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Since then, I’ve found it difficult to give the podcast the...
-
Why Trump’s Energy Policies Could Be Driving Your Electric Bill Higher
Largely due to Donald Trump's energy policies, electricity bills are climbing across the country. But according to conservative energy advocate David Jenkins, much of what Americans are being told about renewable energy in order to protect the fossil fuel industry simply doesn’t hold up. In this...
-
Socialism or Capitalism? Chuck Marvin Says There’s a Better Way
America is deeply divided politically and economically, and the debate increasingly seems to come down to two choices: capitalism or socialism. Chuck Marvin believes that’s the wrong choice. Marvin, a longtime construction-industry consultant and author of America 5.0: The Principled Revolution...
-
Child Abuse Has Lifelong Costs. Why Aren't We Doing More?
Child abuse doesn't end when childhood does. A child abuse survivor, Sheryl Hauk knows that firsthand. A retired educator, survivor of childhood sexual abuse and author of Piece by Piece: A Memoir of Survival, Resilience, and the Power of Creativity, Sheryl spent decades keeping her own trauma...
-
VA Claims Vanishing? Veteran Sounds Alarm
Veterans are filing claims for benefits they earned — but some of those claims may be disappearing into what veteran advocate Steve Miller describes as a VA “black hole.” Miller, a former member of the 82nd Airborne Division and president of Wellness for Veterans, says claims submitted through...
-
Mathew Toro Plans to Run for President in 2036. Will He and America be Ready?
Mathew Toro is 32 years old—and says he is already preparing to run for president of the United States in 2036. Toro says this is not a sudden ambition, but a 16-year effort he began planning in 2020, when he was just 26 years old. He is building that effort around what he calls an “Economic...
-
Democrats Must Get Tough to Win Congress and Defeat Trump
Democrats must get tough to win Congress and defeat Donald Trump and his MAGA allies in the House and Senate, says longtime activist Patrick Reynolds. Watch four killer ads he produced to hammer Trump and his MAGA allies in the key House and Senate races that could determine control of Congress....
-
Lindsey Graham Political Aftermath: Can Democrats Break Through in the South?
The political aftermath of Lindsey Graham’s death sees South Carolina politics suddenly thrown wide open—but the political consequences could extend far beyond one Senate seat. In this special summer edition of Dixie Dems, Bob Gatty of South Carolina, Arthur Hill of North Carolina, and Robert...
-
Since Trump Claims Elections are Rigged, Can South Carolina Trust Its Voter Rolls
Since Donald Trump constantly claims U.S. elections are rigged, can South Carolina trust its voter rolls? Following the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, South Carolina is preparing for a special election that could have major consequences for the state—and for control of the U.S. Senate. But...
-
Why Democrats Lose the Message War—and How They Can Win It Back | David Fenton
Why do Democrats so often lose the message war and allow Republicans to dominate the political conversation—even when Democrats and progressives have popular policies? Legendary progressive strategist and activist David Fenton says Democrats are practicing what amounts to “unilateral disarmament”...
-
Voter Roll Purges: What You Can Do Right Now
What if you arrived at your polling place on Election Day and discovered your name was no longer on the voter rolls? Investigative journalist Alison Greene returns to Lean to the Left to explain why that scenario may be more common than many Americans realize—and, more importantly, what voters…
more -
How Two Supreme Court Decisions Could Change American Democracy
Two recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions may have far greater consequences than most Americans realize. One gives presidents significantly more authority over independent federal agencies. The other removes limits on coordinated campaign spending, allowing political parties and candidates to work...
-
Jermaine Johnson's Plan for South Carolina | 4-Minute Highlights
What does South Carolina Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dr. Jermaine Johnson want to do if elected governor? In this 4-minute highlight reel, Johnson outlines his plans to improve roads, strengthen public schools, expand healthcare access, reform taxes, address affordable housing, regulate AI...
-
Jermaine Johnson, SC Dem Candidate for Governor, Discusses His Plan for Addressing State's Needs
South Carolina Democratic nominee for governor Dr. Jermaine Johnson discusses his plans for addressing key issues, including roads, schools, healthcare, taxes and more, in an exclusive interview with Lean to the Left. To bring voters into the discussion, this conversation is driven by questions...
-
How a Successful Podcast Can Create a Loyal Audience--and Grow Your Business
In this episode of Lean to the Left, host Bob Gatty talks with podcasting expert Michelle Glogovac, founder of MLG Collective, author of How to Get on Podcasts, and host of multiple successful podcasts including Read the Damn Book, Kitchen Briefs, and Beyond the Campaign. Michelle explains why...
-
They Want Us Silent: Marcel Reid on Whistleblowers, the Free Press & Democracy Under Attack
With the free press and democracy under attack, Marcel Reid has spent years fighting to protect whistleblowers, journalists, and the public's right to know the truth. A former ACORN whistleblower, Reid now organizes the annual Whistleblower Summit for Civil and Human Rights and advocates for…
more -
Ghost Voters. Florida Investigation Raises Alarm Even Beyond the Sunshine State
Alarming questions about the security of U.S. elections involving so-called "ghost voters" and allegations of Russian interference are raised in this episode of Lean to the Left. Investigative journalist Alison Greene discusses her work examining Florida voter registration records and explains…
more -
Election Watchdog: Republicans Benefited from Voting Irregularities
Did Republicans benefit from election irregularities in key battleground states? According to the nonpartisan Election Truth Alliance (ETA), statistical analyses in Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and other states identified patterns that warrant further investigation. In this episode of…
more -
John Vincent: Is a Historic Democratic Upset Coming in Deep South?
Is a historic Democratic upset coming in the deep South? Can a Democrat really flip South Carolina’s deeply red 7th Congressional District? Retired Navy Command Master Chief and small business owner John Vincent says yes — and he explains why in this explosive interview with Lean to the Left host...
-
Republican Against Trump: Congressional Challenger Breaks with Trump in Deep Red South Carolina
Can a Republican candidate who is against Trump and rejects MAGA politics still win in deep red South Carolina? Marine veteran and congressional candidate Sam Gibbons says yes. In this revealing conversation with Bob Gatty on Lean to the Left, Gibbons explains why he’s challenging longtime...
-
Investigative Journalist Nick Bryant: The Epstein Cover-up Never Ended
What 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,...
-
Why People Are Going Broke From Medical Debt in the US Trying to Stay Healthy
Why 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...
-
America’s Healthcare Crisis Exposed: Dr. Erica Urquhart on Insurance Companies, Greed and Broken Care Systems
Why 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...
-
US Healthcare Crisis: Why Americans Are Sicker Despite Spending More on Healthcare
US 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...
-
What If Aliens Fixed America? Sci-Fi Author Paul McGrath Takes on Guns, Militias & MAGA
What 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...
-
Is the FBI Targeting Dissent in America? Are We in a Police State?
Is 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...
-
What if Elections are Rigged Before You Even Vote?
What 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...
-
Can Democrats Win in Red States? The Dixie Dems Take on Southern Politics
Is 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...
-
He Promised Peace Now Americans are Dying
Millions 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...
-
Laura VanWormer: Who's Worse? Nixon vs Trump?
Richard 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...
-
Echoes of Injustice: Trump and the Legacy of Guantanamo Bay
Guantanamo Bay was once described as housing the “worst of the worst.” But what if that's a lie? In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty is joined by human rights attorney Joshua Colangelo-Bryan, special counsel at Human Rights First and author of "Through the Gates of…
more -
The Power of States: Environmental Health Policy and Action
In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty talks with environmental health lawyer, professor, and author Susan Kaplan about how states are leading the way on environmental health policy. Drawing from her book, A Healthy Union: How States Can Lead on Environmental Health…
more -
Dixie Dems Podcast: Amplifying Progressive Politics in the South
Welcome to Dixie Dems, the monthly roundtable from the Lean to the Left Podcast focused on progressive politics across the South. Host Bob Gatty (South Carolina) is joined by Arthur Hill, Vice Chair of the Brunswick County (NC) Democratic Party, and Robert Thompson, a bold progressive voice from...
-
Mullins McLeod: Fighting Political Corruption in the Deep South | Lean to the Left Podcast
South Carolina is a hotbed of political corruption, but Mullins McCleod, Democratic candidate for governor, says he's fighting against it and the Palmetto State could be on the brink of transformation. In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, McLeod, a Charleston attorney, also addresses...
-
How Small Actions Spark Big Social Change in a Broken System
In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with Michael Brownstein, co-author of "Somebody Should Do Something", to explore how individual actions—often dismissed as insignificant—can ignite meaningful, systemic social change. At a time when Americans feel…
more -
Impact of USAID Shutdown: Let Them Eat Cake
What is the impact of the USAID shutdown as thee United States abruptly walked away from global humanitarian aid? In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty speaks with former senior USAID official Clifford Brown about the far-reaching consequences of the Trump…
more -
The Dixie Dems: A Progressive Voice in the South During the Holidays
As the holidays approach, the Dixie Dems take a step back—and a clear-eyed look forward—at a Southern political landscape that’s shifting in surprising ways. In this special holiday episode, Bob Gatty (South Carolina), Arthur Hill (North Carolina), and Robert Thompson (Georgia) share season’s...
-
From Republican to Democrat: A Marine Dumps Trump's GOP
What makes a lifelong conservative rethink everything—and cross the political divide from Republican to Democrat? Why would a Marine switch from being a life-long Republican to join the Democrats and dump Trump's GOP? In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with...
-
Running for the Mountains|How Corporate Power Sold Out the Environment
In this powerful episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with filmmakers Babette Hogan and Julie Eisenberg to discuss their searing documentary, Running for the Mountains. Filmed over 15 years, Running for the Mountains exposes the deep entanglement between greed,...
-
Politics Gone Wild: Dixie Dems on Trump, Greene, and the Shifting South
Artificial intelligence is transforming our world—but not always for the better. In this urgent episode of Lean To the Left, we explore how AI is fueling a disturbing rise in digital sexual exploitation, including the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse materials. Our guest, Roger...
-
The New Frontier of Digital Sexual Exploitation: The Role of AI in Child Sex Abuse
Artificial intelligence is transforming our world—but not always for the better. In this urgent episode of Lean To the Left, we explore how AI is fueling a disturbing rise in digital sexual exploitation, including the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse materials. Our guest, Roger...
-
The Plants Above Your Head: How Green Roofs Can Reshape Urban Living
What if the most powerful climate solution isn’t in some distant technology — but growing right above your head? In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with Joshua Harrison, co-founder and chief strategy officer of Leaf Island, to explore how green roofs and...
-
The Liberal Challenge: How Liberals Can Finally Connect Effectively with Voters | Spencer Critchley
Why do liberals continue to struggle with political persuasion—even when the facts and policies are on their side? In this episode of Lean to the Left, host Bob Gatty sits down with author, strategist, and political thinker Spencer Critchley to explore why liberals often fail to connect…
more -
Steve Miller: Empowering Our Veterans -- From Airborne to Advocacy
On this special Veteran’s Day edition of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty welcomes Steve Miller, President and CEO of Wellness for Veterans.org. A former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, Steve has dedicated his life to helping veterans access the benefits they’ve earned —...
-
Climate Justice is Social Justice
In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty speaks with Shilpi Chhotray, co-founder and president of Counter Stream Media, an independent production and communications platform that amplifies stories on climate justice, plastic pollution, and environmental health. Together…
more -
Kaivan Shroff -- Countering Trump and Inspiring Change
In this powerful episode of Lean to the Left, host Bob Gatty sits down with Kaivan Shroff, political commentator, attorney, and Triple Ivy League alum, to discuss the challenges — and opportunities — facing the Democratic Party. From mobilizing young voters to countering Trump’s rhetoric and...
-
Elizabeth Jamison: How Trump's Government Shutdown Hurts Our Veterans
How does Trump's government shutdown hurt our veterans? Will they get paid? When? How will they pay their rent and feed their families with no money coming in? Callously, they refuse to budge as Democrats continue to fight to protect the healthcare of those who rely on Medicaid and Obamacare. But...
-
Alzheimer's Research in the Crosshairs of Trump's Shutdown
Bob Gatty from Lean To The Left discusses the true consequences of the Donald Trump government shutdown that derails the fight against cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Despite Trump's claims about preventing undocumented immigrants from receiving taxpayer-funded healthcare, federal law already...
About this show
Welcome, Thoughtful Americans
If you're concerned about the future of our democracy, social justice, human rights, the environment, healthcare, or political extremism, you belong here at Lean to the Left.
Hosted by veteran journalist and political commentator Bob Gatty, Lean to the Left delivers sharp progressive commentary, timely political analysis, engaging interviews, and conversations with fascinating guests — from authors, activists, and political insiders to everyday people with extraordinary stories.
No scripts. No corporate spin. No sugarcoating.
Just independent journalism, honest discussion, a little humor, and the occasional dose of sarcasm.
Now in its sixth year, the Lean to the Left podcast grew out of the LeantotheLeft.net blog, launched in 2017 in response to Donald Trump’s attacks on democratic institutions, the mainstream press, and basic political norms. Since then, the show has continued to challenge misinformation, expose political
Hosted by
Bob Gatty
Categories