The Leftscape

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Politics
**The Leftscape**

the shape of progressive conversation

Latest Episodes:

Susan R. Kagan, author — **Wiccan Ethics, Activate! (Episode 73)** Feb 12, 2020
Show notes

Author Susan R. Kagan on Wiccan Ethics, Writing, Decluttering, Politics, Activism, and Why NOT to Be a Puritopian

Susan R. Kagan was born and raised in a small town in Indiana, from which she fled for more cosmopolitan environments as soon as she could. She is the author of *Ruxandra*, a supernatural historical fiction novel about the granddaughter of Vlad the Impaler and the nonfiction book *Basic Wiccan Ethics: Avoiding a Perilous Path*. Susan is a Third Degree High Priestess associated with Bee Hive Coven. From her home in New Orleans, she speaks with Wendy Sheridan on discovering the need for a Pagan book of ethics, creative imagination, creative procrastination, politics, exercise, organizing (in the community and the house) and why it is essential that we #VoteBlue. Listen to this frank and fluid conversation between longtime friends. And if all else fades from memory, remember this advice: “Don’t be a freakin’ Puritopian!”

Later in The Geekscape segment, Wendy and Robin Renée talk about the exploration of friendship in *She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Season 4*. If you haven’t watched it yet and plan to, let this serve as your MAJOR SPOILER ALERT. At the top of the show, the 3 Random Facts explain Vienna’s culture tokens offered for CO2 reduction, give some Valentine’s Day history, and mention the U.S. states and territories that hold caucuses (Iowa, Nevada, North Dakota, Wyoming, Guam, Virgin Islands, and American Samoa). Later in the News segment, there’s the State of the Union, the very much cooler LGBTQ State of the Union by Billy Porter, and the dates of the upcoming Democratic primary elections. Robin and Wendy also talk about their experience attending the PFLAG Queens NYC Annual Awards Reception & Luncheon, where Robin accepted the Brenda Howard Memorial Award for bisexual activism. In a quick Rewind, Robin shares some thoughts by Kevin A. Patterson on “Men Have Feelings, Too (Episode 41 Redux).”

Things to do:

Read *Basic Wiccan Ethics: Avoiding a Perilous Path* and *Ruxandra* by Susan R. Kagan.

Like The Leftscape on Facebook.

Watch She-Ra and the Princesses of Power on Netflix.

Read about Lupercalia.

Check out Wendy Sheridan’s monthly giveaway on the Wendycards Facebook page.

Book a Robin Renée concert.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DWCQL4M/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb

Cover art by Wendy Sheridan

Robin Renee and Wendy Sheridan at PFLAG Queens Awards Luncheon, 2020-02-02 — **Wiccan Ethics, Activate! (Episode 73)** Feb 12, 2020
Show notes

Author Susan R. Kagan on Wiccan Ethics, Writing, Decluttering, Politics, Activism, and Why NOT to Be a Puritopian

Susan R. Kagan was born and raised in a small town in Indiana, from which she fled for more cosmopolitan environments as soon as she could. She is the author of *Ruxandra*, a supernatural historical fiction novel about the granddaughter of Vlad the Impaler and the nonfiction book *Basic Wiccan Ethics: Avoiding a Perilous Path*. Susan is a Third Degree High Priestess associated with Bee Hive Coven. From her home in New Orleans, she speaks with Wendy Sheridan on discovering the need for a Pagan book of ethics, creative imagination, creative procrastination, politics, exercise, organizing (in the community and the house) and why it is essential that we #VoteBlue. Listen to this frank and fluid conversation between longtime friends. And if all else fades from memory, remember this advice: “Don’t be a freakin’ Puritopian!”

Later in The Geekscape segment, Wendy and Robin Renée talk about the exploration of friendship in *She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Season 4*. If you haven’t watched it yet and plan to, let this serve as your MAJOR SPOILER ALERT. At the top of the show, the 3 Random Facts explain Vienna’s culture tokens offered for CO2 reduction, give some Valentine’s Day history, and mention the U.S. states and territories that hold caucuses (Iowa, Nevada, North Dakota, Wyoming, Guam, Virgin Islands, and American Samoa). Later in the News segment, there’s the State of the Union, the very much cooler LGBTQ State of the Union by Billy Porter, and the dates of the upcoming Democratic primary elections. Robin and Wendy also talk about their experience attending the PFLAG Queens NYC Annual Awards Reception & Luncheon, where Robin accepted the Brenda Howard Memorial Award for bisexual activism. In a quick Rewind, Robin shares some thoughts by Kevin A. Patterson on “Men Have Feelings, Too (Episode 41 Redux).”

Things to do:

Read *Basic Wiccan Ethics: Avoiding a Perilous Path* and *Ruxandra* by Susan R. Kagan.

Like The Leftscape on Facebook.

Watch She-Ra and the Princesses of Power on Netflix.

Read about Lupercalia.

Check out Wendy Sheridan’s monthly giveaway on the Wendycards Facebook page.

Book a Robin Renée concert.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DWCQL4M/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb

Cover art by Wendy Sheridan

Maria Lodge at Vida Asana — **Movement, Breath, Energy: A Conversation With Maria Lodge (Episode 72)** Feb 05, 2020
Show notes

*The Leftscape* is back after a month-long hiatus. New episode #72 features Mary McGinley’s interview with Maria Lodge. Maria has 32 years of experience as a physical therapist. She is a longtime yoga practitioner, a Reiki Master, and she is certified in Thai Yoga Bodywork. Maria is also Mary’s niece! The conversation takes us through Maria Lodge’s time with First Aid Squad, her yoga teacher training in Costa Rica, how she presents Reiki to skeptics, and the emphases and intentions at her own business, Asana Wellness Physical Therapy in Delran, NJ.

In the new segment at the top of the show, *3 Random Facts & the News*, Mary, Robin Renée, and Wendy Sheridan announce Black History Month, share some thoughts on the occasion of Trayvon Martin’s birthday, and discuss the basics of the noble gas, krypton. In the news, there is the upcoming presidential debate (February 7th), primaries for New Hampshire (February 11th) and South Carolina (February 29th), and the Nevada caucus (February 22nd). Other topics include the 2020 census, John Bolton’s book, the celebration of Imbolc, and the sudden passing of Kobe Bryant. In *The Blanket Fort*, the co-hosts take on the concept of “good wellness” vs. “bad wellness.” How do you decide when to try an alternative health recommendation and when to take a pass?

Next week on the show: Wiccan author Susan Kagan, plus a conversation about *She-Ra and the Princesses of Power*, now in its 4th season. *She-Ra* was first discussed in Episode 29, “She-Ra’s Feminist Challenge.”

Things to do:

Like *The Leftscape* on Facebook

Find out more about Asana Wellness Physical Therapy on the website and on Facebook.

Take a class with Maria Lodge at YogaTree in Riverton, NJ.

Get the date of the primary elections in your state: Ballotpedia

Explore the Nutrition Action website.

Attend the Poly Living conference, February 7th-9th, at Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport.

Learn more about krypton.

Watch John Bolton’s Terrifying Ideas Sung by Michael Bolton:

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyVVO9GN8c4

Men Have Feelings, Too. (Episode 41 Redux) Jan 29, 2020

Show notes

John Tod wanted to create a space for honest, vulnerable conversation among men. What started with one other friend in Fort Wayne, Indiana grew into an every Wednesday safe container where men can talk about their experiences – a space where men who were taught not to express or even acknowledge their feelings can learn how to open up and do some emotional heavy lifting with one another. Listen to this inspiring interview originally posted in “Of Memes and Men (Episode 41)” on how the members of a men’s group can grow together and help bust the myth of the rugged individual.

A brand new podcast will be out next week!

Things to do:

Check out No More Mr. Nice Guy by Dr. Robert Glover

Explore The ManKind Project

Visit Brené Brown’s website

Watch “The Power of Vulnerability,” a TED Talk by Brené Brown

https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability?language=en

Coming Back To Joy (Episode 13 Redux) Jan 22, 2020

Show notes

This week, The Leftscape revisits the featured interview from one of its most popular episodes, “Blossoming (Episode 13).” Wendy Sheridan visits Worldcon 76 in San Jose, CA in August 2018 and talks with an old friend, Joy Denebiem. The two speak frankly about Joy’s MTF transition, including coming out, physical and brain chemistry changes, and stepping into life as a middle aged woman. It is a freewheeling, educational conversation of the whys and hows of gender confirmation, and Joy’s partner, Cheryl Martin, adds her insight and perspective.

The Leftscape will be back with a brand new show in two weeks. Thanks for listening!

Things to do:

Learn about and support transgender advocacy organizations.

Find out more about Worldcon, the World Science Fiction Convention.

Support us on Patreon! Listen to exclusive content and grab some cool Leftscape swag.

Edie Weinstein, Hug Mobster (Episode 36 Redux) Jan 15, 2020

Show notes

Author, therapist, Cuddle Party facilitator, and touch educator Edie Weinstein talks about her life of choosing joy and helping others do the same. She’s been in the news recently, including this great radio interview on The Why. The Leftscape joins in spreading the good word with this rewind back to Edie’s interview on Episode 36 (February 20, 2019).

Things to do:

Visit Edie Weinstein online at her website, opti-mystical.com and on Facebook.

Read The Bliss Mistress Guide to Transforming the Ordinary into the Extraordinary.

Read “Meet Edie ‘the hug mobster’ Weinstein, who roams Doylestown ‘armed with love‘” in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Listen to our interview with Cuddle Party co-originator, Reid Mihalko.

Listen to Edie’s hug flash mob song, “Give a Little Bit” by Supertramp:

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9JOut9yh5g

David Bowie Was (Episode 1 Redux) Jan 08, 2020

Show notes

While The Leftscape is on a brief hiatus, please enjoy this throwback to the very first episode. Today (January 8th) is the birthday of David Bowie, so what better time to listen back to an excerpt of “Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes (Episode 1)” from May 30, 2018. Wendy Sheridan, Mary McGinley, and Robin Renée talk about their first Bowie experiences, Robin and Wendy share their impressions of the David Bowie is exhibit, and Robin unboxes the David Bowie Tarot.

Things to do:

Read about the David Bowie is exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum

Read about the David Bowie Tarot, now known as the “Stardust” Tarot Deck

Go to a Philly Loves Bowie Week event!

Get active and get ready to VOTE!

Robin Renee and Wendy Sheridan, Facebook Live, 11/8/2019 — **Live Evil! (Episode 71)** Jan 01, 2020
Show notes

Happy New Year and new decade! This episode is the audio of the Facebook Live event recorded at Philcon on November 8, 2019. Join Wendy & Robin’s casual hangout as they announce *The Leftscape*‘s Patreon page while enjoying a few adult beverages. And don’t worry, no actual evil was invoked in the making of this show (nor does it have to do with Miles Davis or Black Sabbath). It’s called “Live Evil” because for some unknown reason, this is how the title showed up on Facebook when Wendy began the live broadcast: noclihP morf eviL. This may indeed remain an unsolved mystery of the 2010s.

Thanks for listening and for inspiring us throughout the year. Onward into 2020!

Things to do:

Become a patron of *The Leftscape*. Your support matters. There’s exclusive content and fun swag waiting for you!

Subscribe for automatic downloads and to catch up with shows you’ve missed. New regular episodes will begin again in February.

Watch the video: The Leftscape Live, 11/8/2019

httpss://www.facebook.com/leftscape/videos/568606683893940/

Holiday Tales (Episode 70) Dec 25, 2019

Show notes

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! Blessed just past Solstice and Joyous almost Kwanzaa! Happy Holidays to one and all from The Leftscape. This special edition digs into the spirit of the season with holiday anecdotes from friends and listeners. Enjoy the stories of childhood folly, workplace defiance, wacky family tall tales, and more. Later in the Ikigai segment, Wendy Sheridan, Mary McGinley, and Robin Renée put on their entrepreneur hats and discuss the elements of creating a useful business plan for the new year.

Despite the festive time of year, the news doesn’t take a break. This edition of All the News We Can Handle includes movement on the case regarding the 2016 Twitter attack on Kurt Eichenwald, calls for “Moscow Mitch” to recuse himself from the Senate impeachment trial, Rep. Jeff Van Drew’s movement from the Democratic to the Republican party and its repercussions, and Donald Trump’s disturbing executive order regarding his new definition of Judaism (Hint: It is incorrect.). On a lighter note, there are the year-end announcements of Athlete of the Year, Person of the Year, and Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year.

There is an abundance of traditional and weird celebrations this week: Christmas (December 25th), Thank You Note Day, Boxing Day, and Whiner’s Day (December 26th), National Short Film Day and National Card Playing Day (December 28th), Tick Tock Day (December 29th), National Bicarbonate of Soda Day and Bacon Day (December 30th), Make Up Your Mind Day, Universal Hour of Peace, and New Year’s Eve (December 31st). Birthday people of the week include Justin Trudeau, Annie Lennox, Shane MacGowan, Sissy Spacek, Caroll Spinney, Lars Ulrich, Hayley Williams, Denzel Washington, Stan Lee, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, and PSY.

This is the last show of the year. Thanks so much for listening and for your support. Onward to 2020!

What you can do:

Work on your 2020 financial goals! Thanks to Wendy Sheridan for creating and sharing this.
DOWNLOAD: Financial Goals 2020 Template

Read “The Great Thanksgiving Ratatouille” by Janet Coburn.

Write to us with your yearly planning tips and post your holiday tales.

Join us on Patreon and listen to “Knowing and Being at Ease with Your Sexual Self.”

Explore the 2020 Election Interactive Map.

Watch “Merry Something to You” by Devo.

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUKku3MhCPs

Watch “Fairy Tale of New York” by The Pogues.

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9jbdgZidu8

Watch “Gangnam Style” by PSY.