The Professional Left Podcast with Driftglass and Blue Gal

Latest Episodes:

Ep 878: Shakedown, Breakdown, Takedown Feb 20, 2025

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Episode 878 of The Professional Left Podcast examines how the Republican party built a "democracy-destroying machine" over 50 years, and why attempts by Never Trumpers to reform it from within consistently fail. The hosts analyze a recent Bari Weiss column as a case study of how conservative critics must attack Democrats and marginalized groups to establish credibility with the MAGA base. They discuss recent developments including Trump's attacks on Zelenskyy, Nikki Haley's "evolving" (revolving) stance on Trump, and Kash Patel as FBI director. The episode includes commentary on Senate #FAIL, astronauts pushing back against Elon Musk's claims, and concludes with a brand new "Thursdays with Royko".

Note: This podcast contains explicit language and is not safe for work.

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Ep 877: Resistance Theater! (1940's Movies And This Week's News) Feb 18, 2025

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It's time to explore "Resistance Theater" through two powerful World War II-era films: "Passage to Marseilles" (1944) and "Pimpernel Smith" (1941). These classic propaganda films draw fascinating parallels to current events, and it's worth examining how MAGA forces are attempting to erase and rewrite history through modern tactics. From book banning at military bases to corporate attempts to appease Trump, this episode analyzes how resistance to fascism remains relevant today. The episode includes discussions of historic films while tying them to contemporary threats to democracy, media manipulation, and the importance of preserving historical truth. This wide-ranging conversation also covers notable news, including Wisconsin voting rights, DeJoy's departure from USPS, Trump's Ukraine plans, and Musk's invasion of YOUR Social Security data.

This podcast is not safe for work.

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Ep 876: It's Time Once Again To Swear In Public Feb 13, 2025

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Content warning: Contains strong language and adult themes. Not safe for work or children.

In this spicy episode, Blue Gal and Driftglass explore the history and strategic importance of profanity in political discourse. They particularly focus on how the mainstream media's obsession with "civility" has been weaponized against progressives. They trace this phenomenon from David Broder's pearl-clutching about "vituperative" liberal bloggers to today's both-sides coverage of Trump's attacks on the press.

The hosts examine how the media rushed to defend Fox News when Obama questioned their legitimacy while remaining largely silent as Trump systematically excluded mainstream outlets from coverage. They also cover significant developments, including Trump's lawsuit against CBS, mass firings of inspectors general, devastating proposed Medicaid cuts, and Elon Musk's expanding influence over federal agencies.

The Professional Left is recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance. You can support the podcast at proleftpod.com.

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Ep 875: FAFO Farmers Reap What They Sowed Feb 11, 2025

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In this episode of The Professional Left Podcast, hosts Blue Gal and Driftglass discuss the impact of Trump's recent federal funding freeze on American farmers, particularly those who supported him in the 2024 election. They examine multiple news reports from across the country showing how farmers are facing financial hardship after Trump halted various USDA programs, including conservation projects and foreign food aid initiatives.

The hosts analyze the viral story of Skylar Holden, a young Trump-supporting cattle farmer whose TikTok video about potentially losing his farm garnered significant attention, along with the measured response from veteran farmer Will Westmoreland. They explore the broader themes of accountability, political narratives, and the persistent "both sides" rhetoric that enables voters to avoid confronting the consequences of their choices.

The episode concludes with an extensive news roundup covering recent actions by the Trump administration, including changes to military academy oversight, foreign policy decisions, and various executive orders. The hosts also discuss local politics in Illinois and share ways listeners can take action through initiatives like the 5 Calls app and postcard writing campaigns.

Episode artwork by Bluegal with an assist from StableDiffusionWeb.com

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Recorded February 11, 2025. It's not safe for work, but it is safe for democracy.

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Content warning: Not safe for work.

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Ep 874: They Ain't Playing 4-Dimensional Chess Feb 06, 2025

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The Professional Left Podcast #874: Federal jobs and local economies are in chaos as Trump and Musk wreak havoc at USAID and beyond. Driftglass and Blue Gal break down how Republican propaganda keeps winning despite their awful job creation record, and why some Never Trumpers can't quit bashing Democrats.

The hosts dig into research showing Dems are way better at creating jobs (shocking, right?), while Republicans excel at... lying about it. From Trump's whiplash-inducing tariff decisions to his sketchy State Department picks, and from NASA scrubbing diversity mentions to protests at USAID - it's been quite a week at the Cornfield Resistance.

Links for this episode:

Pew Research on jobs: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/01/07/what-the-data-says-about-federal-workers/

Driftglass and Digby on the Bradcast 2/5/2025 https://bradblog.com/?p=15297

Driftglass and Blue Gal on The Cliff Schecter Show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tb0TkDaY3M

Episode artwork by Bluegal

Subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts or check out proleftpod.com for more info and ways to contribute.

Recorded February 6, 2025. It's not safe for work, but it is safe for democracy.

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Ep 873: Heckuva Job, Duffy! Jan 30, 2025

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An exploration of how the “DEI madness” conspiracy is really just the GOP’s latest excuse to scapegoat diversity while distracting from their own failures.
In this week's Professional Left Podcast, Driftglass and Blue Gal dive into the aftermath of a tragic midair collision over Washington, D.C., and the farcical responses from Trump’s administration. From blaming DEI hires to pointing fingers at everyone but himself, the fallout from the crash reveals the dangerous incompetence of Sean Duffy, Trump’s unqualified Transportation Secretary.

As the hosts dissect the chaotic response and Trump’s penchant for politicizing tragedy, they explore the contrast between Republican and Democratic leadership styles, with special attention to the powerful pushback from Democratic governors against Trump’s agenda. They also reflect on the moral and strategic challenges facing the Democratic Party as they navigate a long fight ahead—one that demands clarity, decisive action, and a refusal to compromise with fascists.

Plus, there's an appearance by a certain internet kitty with a love for forklifts!

Episode artwork by Bluegal via Bing AI

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Warning: This episode is not safe for work!

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Ep 872: Reality Bites Back - The Resistance Isn't Over Jan 28, 2025

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In this episode, Driftglass and Blue Gal tackle claims that "the resistance is over" by drawing powerful parallels between current "resistance fatigue" narratives and similar premature declarations during the Bush era. They discuss Paul Krugman's revelatory piece about his departure from The New York Times, explore the real-world evidence of continued grassroots resistance, and explain why simplistic "everything button" solutions to defeating fascism don't exist. We also cover the latest developments in the Trump "administration."
Special announcement: Instead of our regular Thursday show, catch the hosts live on the Cliff Schecter show this Thursday, and on Progress Pondcast with Martin Longman and Brendan Skwire early next week.

Note: This episode contains adult language and is not safe for work.
More at proleftpod.com
Link for this episode: Paul Krugman, "Departing The New York Times" https://contrarian.substack.com/p/departing-the-new-york-times
Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance.
Support the podcast at proleftpod.com or become a patron at patreon.com/proleftpod.
Write us via the USPS!
The Professional Left Podcast
PO Box 9133
Springfield IL 62791

Cover artwork by bluegal.bsky.social/BingAI

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Ep 871: Truth to Power Jan 23, 2025

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Three badass women—Jasmine Crockett, AOC, and Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde—speak truth to power.

Then we're on to Trump's unconscionable January 6th pardons, dissecting the psychology of "I'm, an independent!" voters and marveling at the mind-bending mental gymnastics of the MAGA world. From there, to media cowardice and Project 2025 nightmares.

Big love to our ride-or-die listeners who keep this podcast alive through your support. Your monthly Patreon pledges and virtual espresso shots fuel our show. And spreading the word also helps us keep fighting the good fight.

Not safe for work. Buckle up.
LINKS: DG and BG on The Bob Cesca Show: https://www.bobcesca.com/the-bob-cesca-interview-driftglass-and-bluegal-day/

Driftglass on The BradCast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bradcast-1-22-2025-guests-heather-digby-parton-of/id803467610?i=1000685101556

More at proleftpod.com
Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance.
Support the podcast at proleftpod.com or become a patron at patreon.com/proleftpod.
Write us via the USPS!
The Professional Left Podcast
PO Box 9133
Springfield IL 62791

Cover artwork via Unsplash/Nathan Dumlao.

Support the show

Ep 870 Propaganda! (Science Fiction University) Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

Tune in Wednesday 1/22-- we're on the Bob Cesca Show and Driftglass will be on the BradCast! And we'll have more politics on Thursday, not that this show isn't political!
A dive into propaganda in science fiction, particularly those instances where aliens take over the world to the advantage of the privileged. What?
Links for this episode:
Ray Nelson, "Eight O'Clock In the Morning" available via the Internet Archive (free registration required) https://archive.org/details/sciencefictioncl0000unse_z5i2
Images of Arthur C. Clarke's "I Remember Babylon" https://imgur.com/gallery/i-remember-babylon-by-arthur-c-clark-2BX7I6R
Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance. Podcast artwork by Frances Langum via BingAI.
Support the podcast at proleftpod.com or become a patron at patreon.com/proleftpod.
Write us via the USPS!
The Professional Left Podcast
PO Box 9133
Springfield IL 62791

Support the show

Ep 869 Our Last Podcast Of The Biden Administration Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

We all know something has died. It's time for a wake, and then... onward toward life.
More at proleftpod.com
Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance. Podcast artwork by Driftglass.
Support the podcast at proleftpod.com or become a patron at patreon.com/proleftpod.
Write us via the USPS!
The Professional Left Podcast
PO Box 9133
Springfield IL 62791

Support the show

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