Best Dangerous Rhetoric Podcasts (2026)

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Analyzing the dangers of politically charged rhetoric with Tom Nichols 28:35

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24d ago28:35

28:35

As the contours of public debate coarsen, it's easy to brand political rivals with epithets from the worst chapters in history. Tom Nichols, a writer for The Atlantic, warns about doing just that. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By The Pell Center at Salve Regina University

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Sarah Grace Patrick: The Teen Charged With Killing Her Parents After Months of Crying TikToks and Zero Public Evidence 21:59

6h ago21:59

21:59

A five-year-old finds her parents shot dead in their bed. Her teenage sister calls 911. For the next five months, that teenager — Sarah Grace Patrick — posts crying videos on TikTok, messages true crime creators begging for coverage, and tells one of them the story "would be a really big hit." Then police charge her with double murder. Prosecutors …

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Sarah Grace Patrick Begged True Crime TikTokers to Cover Her Parents' Murder — Months Later, She Was Charged With Killing Them 21:26

6h ago21:26

21:26

In February 2025, Kristin and James Brock were found shot to death in their bed in Carroll County, Georgia. Their five-year-old daughter discovered the bodies. Their teenage daughter, Sarah Grace Patrick, called 911. For months, Sarah posted tearful TikToks mourning her parents, gave an emotional eulogy at their funeral, and reached out to true cri…

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Not a Christian Nation: How the Founders Built a Secular Constitution, Deism 101 27:55

16h ago27:55

27:55

This episode dismantles the myth that the U.S. Constitution was founded as a Christian charter, exploring the founders' deist beliefs, key Enlightenment influences, and evidence like the Treaty of Tripoli and Jefferson's writings. Through examples — Franklin's pragmatism, Paine's radical critique, Jefferson's edited Bible, and the distinction betwe…

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The Treaty That Declared America Not a Christian Nation: Article 11 Revealed 15:19

6d ago15:19

15:19

In this episode we explore the 1797 Senate ratification of the Treaty of Tripoli and its controversial Article 11, which states that "the government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion." We trace the context: American sailors captured and enslaved by Barbary pirates, years of failed government res…

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Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Hero Origin Stories: Round 8 33:28

2d ago33:28

33:28

There’s still time in the year to hear from leaders and advocates in the sexual and reproductive health and rights field! On this episode of our most popular series, SRHR Hero Origin Stories, we talk to a number of amazing heroes in the field of reproductive health, rights, and justice about how they began working in this space. On this episode, he…

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The Dixie Dems: A Progressive Voice in the South During the Holidays 23:38

2d ago23:38

23:38

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 greetings while digging into what’s ahead for Democrats …

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Rhetorical Stolen Valor: The Patriot Pastor Exposed 26:59

6d ago26:59

26:59

This episode debunks the myth that Revolutionary pastors were the true commanders of 1776, showing instead how founders used the pulpit as a mass‑communication tool and how clergy were enlisted as political broadcasters. It draws lines to modern Christian nationalism — from a pastor preaching with an AR‑15 to the political weaponization of religion…

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Feminist Foreign Policy: Centering Dignity, Equity, and Justice Worldwide 43:15

9d ago43:15

43:15

Feminist foreign policy is a policy framework that challenges traditional understandings of foreign policy. It prioritizes peace, gender equality, human rights, and environmental integrity. Jill Montilla, Development and Communications Associate with the Feminist Foreign Policy Collaborative and Spogmay Ahmed, Senior Policy Advisor with the Feminis…

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Advocating for the arts with Erin Harkey 28:35

9d ago28:35

28:35

During the Renaissance, ruling families like the Medicis funded the creation of great works of art that dazzle us to this day. In the modern era, the ability of democracies to fund the arts is often contentious and even controversial. Arts advocate Erin Harkey discusses the value of art in public life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform…

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From Republican to Democrat: A Marine Dumps Trump's GOP 34:11

10d ago34:11

34:11

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 Carl Able, retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, fou…

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When 'Merry Christmas' Became a Political Battle: The Real War on Christmas 23:37

16d ago23:37

23:37

Jim dismantles the myth of a modern "war on Christmas," tracing its roots from 1950s nativists and Fox News panic back to Puritan bans, Roman Saturnalia, and 19th-century commercialization. He explains how authority, politics, and cultural control reshaped the holiday into the domestic, corporate version conservatives now defend—and how legal rulin…

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Rural Hospitals—and their Labor and Delivery Units—Face Rising Threats 40:40

21d ago40:40

40:40

Impending Medicaid cuts, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s defunding of Planned Parenthood, and the freezing of Title X funding have fueled clinic closures across rural areas. Ashley Kurzweil, Senior Policy Analyst for Reproductive Health and Rights at the National Partnership for Women and Families and Sarah Coombs, Director for Health System Trans…

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Unpacking political conspiracy theories with Stephen Clermont 27:44

16d ago27:44

27:44

An alarming number of Americans are receptive to the lure of conspiracy thinking. Pollster Stephen Clermont unpacks the most popular conspiracy theories and what they tell us about current American politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By The Pell Center at Salve Regina University

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Running for the Mountains|How Corporate Power Sold Out the Environment 26:06

18d ago26:06

26:06

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, and environmental sacrifice in West Virginia, rev…

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Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Hero Origin Stories: Round 7 31:59

22d ago31:59

31:59

It’s that time of year again! Ready for a reprisal of our most popular series, SRHR Hero Origin Stories? If you haven’t already, check out our previous episodes, SRHR Hero Origin Stories: Round 6, SRHR Origin Stories: Round 5, SRHR Hero Origin Stories: Round 4, and more, where we talk to a number of amazing heroes in the field of reproductive healt…

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Politics Gone Wild: Dixie Dems on Trump, Greene, and the Shifting South 24:37

24d ago24:37

24:37

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 Canaff—former New York City special victims prosecutor, …

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Reproductive Justice, Economic Security, and the Fight Ahead 39:19

1M ago39:19

39:19

No one’s health experiences exist in a vacuum. Individuals live multifaceted lives and often have multiple, intersecting health concerns. Our health influences our lives, and our lives (including our economic realities) influence our health. Nourbese Flint, President of All* Above All and All* in All Action Fund, sits down to talk with us about how…

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Exploring the impact of renaming U.S. military installations with Ty Seidule 27:29

1M ago27:29

27:29

In the aftermath of George Floyd's murder, a long, simmering effort to rename U.S. military installations previously named for Confederate officers gained momentum. Historian and retired Army Brigadier General Ty Seidule recounts the effort to rid the military of old names, as well as the actions by the Trump administration to resuscitate old ghost…

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The New Frontier of Digital Sexual Exploitation: The Role of AI in Child Sex Abuse 27:39

1M ago27:39

27:39

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 Canaff—former New York City special victims prosecutor, …

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The Plants Above Your Head: How Green Roofs Can Reshape Urban Living 33:12

1M ago33:12

33:12

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 nature-based design can radically reshape the way we liv…

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Texas’ New Law Takes Aim at Telehealth Medication Abortion Providers 38:16

1M ago38:16

38:16

Texas, long at the forefront of restrictive abortion policy in the U.S., has passed a new law (which goes into effect in early December) which would take state law and the already in-place abortion ban (SB 8) and apply it beyond its borders. Jessica Waters, Senior Scholar in Residence at the School of Public Affairs at American University, sits dow…

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The Liberal Challenge: How Liberals Can Finally Connect Effectively with Voters | Spencer Critchley 29:13

1M ago29:13

29:13

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 emotionally with voters, and how they can turn that around. Dr…

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Shout It From the Rooftops: Thanks, Birth Control! 32:06

2M ago32:06

32:06

November 12, 2025, is #ThxBirthControl Day-- a day to celebrate the multiple methods of contraceptive care that allow people to live their fullest lives and reach their dreams and goals. Monica Edwards, Senior Manager, Public Policy at Power to Decide and Tara Mancini, Public Policy Director at Power to Decide, sit down to talk with us about the ma…

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Telling the story of Congressman Charles Diggs with Marion Orr 28:11

1M ago28:11

28:11

Brown University public policy, political science and urban studies professor Marion Orr takes a fresh look at the life and legacy of Congressman Charles C. Diggs Jr., one of the most consequential Black federal legislators in American history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By The Pell Center at Salve Regina University

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Steve Miller: Empowering Our Veterans -- From Airborne to Advocacy 16:02

2M ago16:02

16:02

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 — from healthcare to housing and education. In this ins…

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Reimagining U.S. Foreign Assistance 39:10

2M ago39:10

39:10

The U.S. government used to be the largest donor in family planning assistance at $400 million a year. There has been an explicit loss of U.S. leadership and resources in contemporary global health and foreign aid, with significant, negative impacts on supply and health outcomes. Anu Kumar, President and CEO at Ipas, sits down to talk with us about…

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Examining challenges in America's primary care system with Dr. Troy Brennan 27:40

2M ago27:40

27:40

The challenges facing American healthcare are substantial, but Dr. Troy Brennan, who teaches at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, says they all stem from long-simmering issues in primary care. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By The Pell Center at Salve Regina University

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Climate Justice is Social Justice 28:18

2M ago28:18

28:18

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, they discuss how climate justice is social justice, exp…

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Kaivan Shroff -- Countering Trump and Inspiring Change 36:32

2M ago36:32

36:32

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 redefining progressivism for a digital age, Shroff offers…

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Rebecca Kelliher on Her New Book: Just Pills: The Extraordinary Story of a Revolution in Abortion Care 37:44

2M ago37:44

37:44

In Brazil in the 1990s, women discovered using misoprostol for safe, self-managed abortion. In 1980 in France, mifepristone was discovered and in 1988, approved. Approval in the U.S. occurred shortly thereafter, in 2000. Rebecca Kelliher, journalist and author of Just Pills: The Extraordinary Story of a Revolution in Abortion Care, sits down to tal…

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Weighing the power of character in leaders with General Stanley McChrystal 27:50

2M ago27:50

27:50

One of America's storied military leaders General Stanley McChrystal offers insights on the power of character and integrity in leaders—whether in the military or civilian life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By The Pell Center at Salve Regina University

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Elizabeth Jamison: How Trump's Government Shutdown Hurts Our Veterans 21:28

2M ago21:28

21:28

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 for military families, the shutdown is more than sim…

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Preying With Pseudoscience: Crisis Pregnancy Centers’ New, Dangerous Rhetoric 39:17

2M ago39:17

39:17

The term crisis pregnancy center (CPC) refers to anti-abortion facilities that mislead, confuse, delay, misinform, and purposefully re-direct pregnant people looking for education and services, including abortion care. They are often referred to as fake clinics, but they are beginning to offer some medical services. Garnet Henderson and Susan Rinku…

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Exploring the narrative of American crime with Ernesto Lopez 27:36

2M ago27:36

27:36

Researcher at the Council on Criminal Justice Ernesto Lopez looks at the story being told about crime in American cities doesn't match the data. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By The Pell Center at Salve Regina University

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The Current Anti-Abortion Extremist Agenda 34:13

2M ago34:13

34:13

Anti-abortion extremists are hard at work attacking access through the courts, policy, clinic harassment, and more. Simultaneously, the Trump administration’s chaos—including RFK Jr.’s harmful actions as head of HHS—are continuing to disassemble comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights, brick-by-brick. Mini Timmaraju, President and C…

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Uncovering the horrors of indigenous residential schools with Julian Brave NoiseCat 28:54

2M ago28:54

28:54

Beginning in the late 19th century, a Canadian network of residential schools for indigenous children became sites for rampant child abuse. Documentary filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat recounts the horrors that took place in those schools. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By The Pell Center at Salve Regina University

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The Silent War for the American Mind: Cognitive Warfare at Home 22:18

3M ago22:18

22:18

This episode explains cognitive warfare and shows how the religious right uses tactics—certainty, fear, polarization, historical revisionism, and dehumanization—to shift people from evidence-based thinking to obedience to authority. Using examples from foreign troll farms to the America Praise Initiative, the host exposes how narrative control and …

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The Supreme Court Term is Here…And A Storm is Brewing 35:52

3M ago35:52

35:52

The beginning of the new Supreme Court term has officially begun, and a storm of possible bad outcomes is brewing. Jessica Mason Pieklo, Co-Chief Content Officer of Rewire News Group and co-host of Boom! Lawyered, sits down with us to give us a holistic view of cases, tells us what to expect in the new court term, and highlights which cases we shou…

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Alzheimer's Research in the Crosshairs of Trump's Shutdown 2:18

3M ago2:18

2:18

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 prohibits their eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid, or A…

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America Prays? Part 2 32:44

3M ago32:44

32:44

In this episode of The False Foundation podcast, host Jim continues the investigation into the White House’s America Praise pamphlet, dismantling sections 9–17. He exposes how historical events and speeches—from John Quincy Adams to George W. Bush—are cherry-picked, misinterpreted, or repurposed to construct a narrative of a Christian-founded Ameri…

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Temperature Check: What is the Status of Abortion Access in the U.S.? 31:35

3M ago31:35

31:35

Whether it’s communicated in polls or at the ballot box, access to abortion is extremely popular in the United States. Yet, our rights are being blatantly stripped away—and abortion care won’t be the only sexual and reproductive right to face attacks. Fatima Goss Graves, President and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, sits down to talk with u…

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If the Resolute Desk Could Talk, What Trump Secrets Does it Hold? | Lean to the Left Podcast 23:51

3M ago23:51

23:51

What happens when inanimate objects, like the Resolute Desk, and mythological monsters tell the story of Trump’s America? 🤯 In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty interviews author Barry Robbins, whose satirical books NO!, HELL NO!, and American Monsters offer a creative, humorous, yet deeply critical take on Donald Trump a…

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America Prays? (False Foundation Pilot) 22:47

3M ago22:47

22:47

We've all seen the paintings and heard the speeches: the image of the Founding Fathers on their knees, seeking divine guidance for their new nation. But is that picture real, or is it carefully crafted propaganda? In this pilot episode of False Foundation, host Jim investigates one of the cornerstone myths of Christian Nationalism—the claim that Am…

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Access to Later Abortion Will Always be Needed 47:22

3M ago47:22

47:22

Abortion later in pregnancy is often misunderstood and heavily targeted through both policy and stigma. Erika Christensen, co-founder of Patient Forward and later abortion patient and advocate, Jenn Chalifoux-Gene, later abortion patient and advocate, and Dr. Diana Greene Foster, demographer and Professor at the University of California San Francis…

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Analyzing the Twenty-fifth Amendment and its implications with John Feerick 28:45

3M ago28:45

28:45

In recent years, commentators and gadflies have looked at American presidents and, based on age and, sometimes, politics, called for the invocation of the 25th amendment to remove the president from office. Constitutional scholar John Feerick helped write the 25th amendment and shines a light on its provisions and the intentions of its framers. See…

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Embracing America’s Independent Spirit | Adam Brandon on the Rise of Independents 27:53

3M ago27:53

27:53

Nearly 40% of Americans now identify as independents, reflecting deep frustration with partisan politics. In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, Bob Gatty speaks with Adam Brandon, senior advisor at the Independent Center and co-author of The Exhausted Majority. Brandon shares his journey from leading FreedomWorks to shaping a new indepen…

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You May Also Like: Aborsh 1:12:03

3M ago1:12:03

1:12:03

This week, we’re bringing you a special feed drop from Aborsh, a podcast that examines why talking about abortion is still such a big deal, what “choice” really means and looks like, and why that answer is different for different people. In this episode, host Rachel Cairns takes a critical look at how abortion is represented in media and entertainm…

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Let’s Talk About Period Pain 45:51

3M ago45:51

45:51

Starting in her teenage years, Kate Helen Downey’s menstrual cycle was extremely painful. In her adult life, she received an endometriosis diagnosis, which can cause severe menstrual pain. Kate, host and producer of the podcast CRAMPED, sits down with us to share about her experience and encourage everyone to talk about their period pain. Kate’s po…

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When the President Shakes Down the Media 31:33

4M ago31:33

31:33

What are the implications for our divided country when a bullying president shakes down the news media to get his way? In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, John DeDakis, veteran journalist, former CNN editor, White House correspondent, novelist, and writing coach, explores the challenges of journalism in today’s fractured media landscap…