Best Leigh McGowan Podcasts (2025)

1
Veterans Fighting Fascism: A Memorial Day Conversation with Kristopher Goldsmith 55:18

4d ago55:18

55:18

Combat veteran Kris Goldsmith reminds us when fascism grows it grows in our backyards. That if we want to tear this movement up from it’s roots, we need to do it together. As Kris says, with unity comes strength, and whether you learned that unity fighting side by side on a foreign battlefield or standing side by side in your hometown, we need to s…

1
What if we Tried Something Different?: A Conversation with Joanna Johnson 1:03:27

11d ago1:03:27

1:03:27

Today’s guest Joanna Johnson, internet sensation and brilliant teacher otherwise known as Unlearn16, reminds us that capitalism isn’t our natural state. We pretend this economic system failing us is out of our hands, but we’re the one’s who built it. It’s man made. We can change the game because we made the game, and it’s possible the fascism we’re…

1
The Corruption is Endless. A Conversation with Robert Reich 47:36

18d ago47:36

47:36

As today’s guest, Robert Reich, former US Secretary of Labor, wrote in his substack “Brace yourselves. The economy is heading into very bad weather.” That while prices and unemployment are going up. Everything else is going down. This is, of course, the polar opposite of what President Trump campaigned on, and exactly we, the president’s opposition…

1
It’s OK to Feel Scared: A Conversation with Jocelyn Benson 43:31

25d ago43:31

43:31

It’s ok to feel scared right now. To be angry and frustrated and not know what to do. It’s fine to have those feelings, but as Michigan Secretary of State, and leading candidate for Governor, Jocelyn Benson asks, what do we do next? How do we stand up for what’s right when the stakes are high? How do we change the world not let the world change us?…

1
Flip the Table. A Conversation with Alencia Johnson 53:52

1M ago53:52

53:52

This administration is unhinged - a government ignoring theconstitution, defying the courts, literally disappearing people off thestreets? Every day they seem more brazen, more illiberal, more unlawful, and yet, when we see the tide turning on people like Pete Hegseth or the hesitation to just blindly invoke the insurrection act, we see that public…

1
Enemies: Both Foreign & Domestic. A Conversation with Janessa Goldbeck 1:03:22

1M ago1:03:22

1:03:22

Will the American president use the American military on the American people? The fact that’s even in question indicates how far down the road towards autocracy this country has gone. Does that mean we’re helpless? Is there nothing we can do? What about the military itself? Will it, or can it, do anything? Join me and Janessa Goldbeck, CEO of VetVo…

1
How Are We All This Dumb?: A Conversation with David Pakman 47:57

2M ago47:57

47:57

America appears to be in free fall and 30% of the country seems on board for a million decisions they didn’t vote for and will only hurt them? How is that possible? David Pakman joins us to talk about his new book, instant New York Times bestseller, The Echo Machine: How Right Wing Extremism Created a Post Truth America, which addresses how the fal…

1
Who Will Step Up To Lead? : A Conversation with Run For Something’s Amanda Litman 47:12

2M ago47:12

47:12

We have this preconceived notion of who can, and should, be a leader. We need to throw that out the window. According to our guest, President and Co-founder of Run For Something, Amanda Litman, “Party recruitment is the most important thing we can be doing right now.” These are the people who will change the game. The candidates who will connect wi…

1
Cause a Frickin’ Rukus! A Conversation with David Rothkopf 1:00:41

2M ago1:00:41

1:00:41

The Trump administration is actively seeking to destroy everything we know, but we can’t allow it. We need to fight back. Do more than we’re doing now. This is a nation built on causing a ruckus. So, that’s what the good citizens of America must do. We must recommit to the principles of truth, justice and freedom and stand up and fight for them. Tr…

1
Everyone Gets Left Behind: A Conversation with Commander Bobby R. Jones 1:07:46

2M ago1:07:46

1:07:46

Current leadership isn’t just letting our military down, they’re setting them up. Cutting benefits, firing veterans, changing allies….Our soldiers might be, as Commander Jones says, “trained to absorb a lot” but they shouldn’t have to absorb this kind of disrespect. The American military are not there to make the president appear more manly, or be …

1
Save Canada! A Conversation with Global Affairs Experts Andrea Chalupa & Marcus Kolga 58:24

2M ago58:24

58:24

Expert in Soviet and Ukrainian history, Andrea Chalupa joins me and human rights activist and expert in Russia and disinformation Marcus Kolga, to discuss how important it is Canada not follow America down the path to authoritarianism laid by Russian influence and disinformation. Canadians need to understand they’re dealing with the same psychologi…

1
Not Today Satan: A Conversation with Democracy’s Secret Weapon Skye Perryman 46:28

3M ago46:28

46:28

If people are wondering where the pushback to the nightmare of the Trump administration is, it’s in the courts. In the absence of executive leadership, and with the abandonment of of legislative leadership, the judicial branch has gone from democracy’s last line of defense to it’s first. In fact, there are lawyers and activists working day and nigh…

1
Who’s in Charge of this Shit Show? A Conversation with Simon Rosenberg 49:53

3M ago49:53

49:53

Trump’s first cabinet meeting was basically run by Elon. Republicans voted for a budget that would cut Medicaid and SNAP to ensure billionaires get even more money. Republican representatives are choosing to forego town halls after realizing they can’t answer for their party’s actions. Trump put out the disgusting Trump Gaza video and showed the wo…

1
Go Home America, You’re Drunk: A Conversation with Michael Steele 1:10:29

3M ago1:10:29

1:10:29

America is a hot mess, but you wouldn’t know it listening to legacy media. Which is why our guest, Michael Steele, former RNC Chair and co-host of MSNBC’s The Weekend, was such a breath of fresh air when he let loose saying people need to start giving a damn and wake the hell up. It’s time we accept that our county is under attack, so we can start …

1
Remaking the Democrats: A Conversation with DNC Chair, Ken Martin 51:47

3M ago51:47

51:47

On the campaign trail for DNC chair Ken Martin said the Democrats need a work horse not a show pony and, now that he has the job, he’s being clear the ultimate goal is to win - to beat back this horrible, far right extremist Republican Party so the party can start making real change from a place of power. Join us as we discuss how he plans to do th…

1
What’s the End Game Here? A Conversation with Jessica Mackler, President of Emily’s List 51:00

4M ago51:00

51:00

Stripping women of their rights has never been about one specific issue. It’s always been about control, and how you exercise control over women. But this war on women won’t just stop with us. Project 2025, which is being implemented line by line is about remaking society so it aligns better with one specific set of far right, nationalistic, religi…

1
What is Happening?! A Conversation with Dr. Allison Gill 1:02:16

4M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

The amount of criminal activity, criminally adjacent behavior, unconstitutional oversteps, and just piss poor leadership that happened over the weekend is astonishing. We’re 14 days into this presidency and taking in information is drinking from a firehose - overwhelming and it hurts - but that’s the point. The Trump Administration is using a delib…

1
None of this is Normal. A Conversation with Andrea Chalupa 59:43

4M ago59:43

59:43

Well, the Dictator has arrived and it’s self reliance time. We need to grow partner groups, our own media ecosystems, and thicker skin. As guest Andrea Chalupa, expert on dictatorships and authoritarian leaders says, we can grieve what happened to our country and that our institutions didn’t save us, but we can’t cling to the status quo or disconne…

1
What Now? A Conversation with Marc Elias 52:31

4M ago52:31

52:31

Well. It happened. He’s been inaugurated. He’s pardoned the insurrectionists. He’s starting his round ups and Elon gave, not one but two, stiff arm salutes. Now what? The mainstream media is a joke. They’re already telling us we didn’t see Elon do what he did. Now, more than ever, we need to support those doing independent work and bringing the tru…

1
The Perspective You Need Right Now: A Conversation with David Bender 56:57

5M ago56:57

56:57

America is about to change and we need to counter what’s coming with philosophy not politics. We have to lead with our values, not our party. We can’t give into fear or lose hope, but must reengage in the shared principles of freedom, justice and independence. Opinions are not facts. Information is not knowledge. MAGA has created their own reality …

1
What Does It Mean? A Conversation with Heather Cox Richardson 42:09

5M ago42:09

42:09

We’re at the start of a new year, a new quarter century, and a new administration and a lot is up in the air, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to chat with one of the smartest people I know, about where she thinks America stands in the course of history and what to expect next. The mainstream media has let us down, so now more than ever we ne…

1
How to Handle What’s Coming 30:00

5M ago30:00

30:00

Our country is about to go into a crisis. The question is what are we going to do about it? Will we change with the pain, or will we hold firm to what we know of ourselves and find a stronger, better version of our country in the process? The future we’re going into will not be normal so I’m not going to wish you a Happy New Year. I’m going to wish…

1
Don’t Lose Your Spark: A Conversation with John Pavlovitz 42:43

5M ago42:43

42:43

“In the days when darkness seems to be winning, don’t lose your spark." The future might be filled with bad news, but as guest John Pavlovitz says, it will be less traumatizing if we stay connected to our source - whether that’s our faith, our family, our friends, or our morality. We can’t, as John says, “sacrifice ourselves on the altar of our emp…

1
What is Real Right Now: A Conversation with David Rothkopf 58:11

5M ago58:11

58:11

Instead of having a meltdown and getting mired in every potential crisis coming from the next administration, we have to see the big picture while taking action at the local level. Ask yourself: What is real right now, and what can we do about it? That while Trump and his henchmen can do vast amounts of damage to our institutions, our way of life, …

1
Pains in the Ass for Democracy: A Conversation with Indivisible’s Leah Greenberg 50:21

6M ago50:21

50:21

The Trump administration’s goal is going to be to divide and conquer. To isolate us from each other and break our resolve and spirit, but Indivisible believes, that if we stand together, we can protect our families, our neighbors, and our democracy. That our shared future depends on every day Americans choosing to fight back. To treat an attack on …

1
Inoculate Yourself From Fear: A Conversation with Global Affairs Expert Andrea Chalupa 56:41

6M ago56:41

56:41

Expert in Soviet and Ukrainian history, and author of Dictatorship: It’s Easier Than You Think, Andrea Chalupa joins us to discuss what’s next for America. I’ll warn you, this episode is a lot, but if knowledge is power, stick with it and I believe you’ll find Andrea’s perspective not only powerful but very inspiring. It’s time to inoculate ourselv…

1
Hope in the Dark 29:59

6M ago29:59

29:59

This holiday season I’m going to tell you a story. A personal story of a dark time where it appeared all was lost, and the lessons learned from living through it. In these trying times, I offer a perspective that, I hope, might make you feel just a little bit better. The mainstream media has let us down, so we need to support those doing independen…

1
Do Not Become Hopeless: A Conversation with Robert Reich 53:07

6M ago53:07

53:07

As today’s guest, Robert Reich reminds us, wishful thinking won’t save us from what’s coming, but neither should we bury ourselves in cynicism. The truth is, the bottom 90% of the country have been ignored for 50 years and while Trump might have spoken to them and swayed them, he will not help them. So this is not the time to give up. This is the t…

1
What’s Next America? 42:36

7M ago42:36

42:36

I still can’t exactly explain what happened with the 2024 election, but it does appear as if Trump and his dangerous, extremist allies have won. I’m a big believer in our institutions, but I also spent the past week trying to figure out how they could have all failed us so badly. I understand the sentiment to want to disengage. To find someone to b…

1
Election Day 2024: What to Expect 30:44

7M ago30:44

30:44

Well, it’s here: Election Day. After this incredibly trying 10 years, and completely bananas election season, we made it. This is a BIG day and people are busy, so this is an abridged episode to tell you what to look for and expect today, and in the days and weeks to come. The most important thing you can do right now is get people to the polls, no…

1
Donald Trump is Transitioning Before Our Very Eyes | Scrood 7:16

7M ago7:16

7:16

Is Donald J. Trump transitioning or was he always like this? You be the judge. Scrood is a satirical, light and easy Political Humor & Comedy News podcast about gett'n SCROOD by the system--facts & laughs covering as much as we can for free. Scrood produces satirical content aimed at exposing corruption in politics, the supreme court and and BIG, m…

1
Dictator Don the Con Lies, Cons and Self-Aggrandizement | Scrood 26:02

7M ago26:02

26:02

Authoritarian and Deceiver, Don the Con and his silly self-aggrandizement. Scrood is a satirical, light and easy Political Humor & Comedy News podcast about gett'n SCROOD by the system--facts & laughs covering as much as we can for free. Scrood produces satirical content aimed at exposing corruption in politics, the supreme court and and BIG, multi…

1
Home Stretch: Pre-Election Reminders with David Pepper 54:35

7M ago54:35

54:35

After that insane rally at MSG we know we have to pull out every stop to make sure Donald Trump loses on November 5th. Talk to your friends, talk to your family. Despite the fact the country is drowning in negativity and lies, the truth is, the Democrats are winning. The majority of voters don’t want what MAGA, Trump and the Project 2025 Mandate fo…

1
Lucky Loser: The story of Donald Trump with Pulitzer Prize winning financial reporters Susanne Craig and Russ Buettner 47:04

7M ago47:04

47:04

Donald Trump is nothing if not lucky. Today we’re joined by the authors of the New York Times Bestselling Book Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered his Father’s Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success, who took four decades of financial reporting and a century’s worth of research and interviews to paint a picture of a life of the world’s lu…

1
Dumb Donald Trump | Trump the Moron Drumpf Discusses Invisible Jets and Internal Covid Lung Disinfectant | Scrood 12:01

8M ago12:01

12:01

Dumb Donald Trump | Trump the Moron Drumpf Discusses Invisible Jets, Internal Covid 19 Lung Disinfectant and Puerto Rico hurricane. Stupid is as stupid does (says). Scrood Podcast @scroodfm Scrood is a satirical, light and easy Political Humor & Comedy News podcast about gett'n SCROOD by the system--facts & laughs covering as much as we can for fre…

1
On Freedom: A Conversation with Timothy Snyder 47:12

8M ago47:12

47:12

As today’s guest, Timothy Snyder argues, “Freedom is the great American commitment” but we’ve lost sight of what it means. In his new book, ‘On Freedom’, the New York Times best selling author and Yale historian, digs into the concept of freedom, what it is, how it’s been misunderstood, and why upholding it our only chance for survival. “We’ll see …

1
BONUS EPISODE: Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal - episode 4 43:16

8M ago43:16

43:16

Leigh guest reads in episode 4: part 2 of a fantastic and informative, limited series "Trump's Project 2025: Up Close and Personal". Be sure to check out all episodes wherever you get your pods! xo- PG ---- This episode tells the fictional story of a middle school that opens its doors to unvaccinated students after a possible second -term President…

1
What happened to the American Dream? A conversation with Thom Hartmann 56:39

8M ago56:39

56:39

Our nation sits at crossroad. We either address our problems within our democracy and rule of law, or fail to address them by abandoning the very things that make us special in pursuit of something new. The 2024 presidential ticket offers us two very different versions of America - what it is and who it’s for - and on November 5th we choose one. Jo…

1
Helene not the Only Hurricane in Devastated Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee | Trump and Election Integrity, Error Correction 21:56

8M ago21:56

21:56

Hurricane Helene is not the only devastation in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida and many other states. Election integrity is being attacked by the Trump campaign and RNC. As we morn the over 200 deaths and missing, we are also troubled by the imminent danger that Trump and his minions pose to our way of life. So, here we are again, Mad …

1
Avoiding a Second Civil War: A Conversation with Vet Voice’s Janessa Goldbeck 49:21

8M ago49:21

49:21

Today we’re talking with the CEO of Vet VoiceJanessa Goldbeck about the film War Game a documentary based on a real life wargame set on January 6, 2025 that imagines a nationwide insurrection, in whichmembers of the US military choose to defect in order to support the losing presidential candidate and what the current president and his team, would …

1
Cheat to Win: A Conversation with Democracy Super Lawyer Marc Elias 37:09

8M ago37:09

37:09

According to the brilliant Marc Elias, founder of Democracy Docket and now senior member of the Harris/Walz legal team, what the Republicans are planning for the 2024 election is not just unprecedented, but outrageous. There is a reason they’re not campaigning or trying to get out the vote. There’s a reason Trump is telling people he “doesn’t need …

1
Presidential Debate Harris vs. Trump, Fact Check with Stats and Common Sense Explanations part 1 | Scrood 39:17

8M ago39:17

39:17

Presidential Debate Harris vs. Trump and Fact Check with Statistics and Common Sense Explanations. Kamala Harris wins debate over Donald Trump. First presidential debate fact check. Part 1 Scrood is a satirical, light and easy Political Humor & Comedy News channel about gett'n SCROOD by the system--facts & laughs covering as much as we can for free…

1
A Return to Common Sense: A Conversation with Jason Alexander 1:00:01

9M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

My first book ‘A Return to Common Sense: How to Fix America Before We Really Blow’ It drops today, so I’ve invited my friend, and beloved American actor and director, Jason Alexander to join us to guest host the episode. We talk, not only about getting us out of this mess we’re in, but how we can build the nation we tell the world we are. At the en…

1
Fed Up & Fired Up: A Conversation with Chamber of Mother’s Erin Erenberg 41:06

9M ago41:06

41:06

The women of this nation hold the spending AND voting power so why are we so constantly marginalized? Tired of being overlooked, used as pawns, and ready to be taken seriously, we talk to Erin Erenberg, co-founder and CEO of the Chamber of Mothers, about the growing collective movement to advance maternal rights in America. The truth of the matter …

1
Barack Obama Full Speech DNC 2024 | Obama Slams Trump with Humorous Sophistication 36:48

9M ago36:48

36:48

Barack Obama Full Speech DNC 2024. Obama slams Trump and Mad Baby Don Don can't keep up. Scrood is a satirical, light and easy Political Humor & Comedy News channel about gett'n SCROOD by the system--facts & laughs covering as much as we can for free. Scrood produces satirical content aimed at exposing corruption in politics, the supreme court and …

1
Trump Presidential Pardons, Bans, Gubernatorial Pardons | Why Every Local and State Vote Counts | Scrood 11:59

9M ago11:59

11:59

Trump, presidential pardons, gubernatorial pardons, book bans, art bans, and why every vote counts at every level. Scrood is a satirical, light and easy Political Humor & Comedy News channel about gett'n SCROOD by the system--facts & laughs covering as much as we can for free. Scrood produces satirical content aimed at exposing corruption in politi…

1
America: Built on Work - A Conversation Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su 44:57

9M ago44:57

44:57

Happy Labor Day!!! Department of Labor’s Acting Secretary Julie Su reminds us that the Biden Administration has been focused on building what they call the “high road to the American dream”. That looking out for the American worker is not just about having enough work, it’s about those workers being paid properly, treated with respect, and at the e…

1
Kamala Harris Full Speech DNC | The Next President of the U.S.A. | Bye Donnie | Scrood 40:10

9M ago40:10

40:10

Listen to V.P. Kamala Harris full speech at the DNC. Smile as you listen to the motivating and honest speech from the next president of the United States of America. Relax while you soak it all in again like a wave washing the Trump off of you. Scrood is a satirical, light and easy Political Humor & Comedy News channel about gett'n SCROOD by the sy…

1
Joyful Warriors: A Conversation with Heather Cox Richardson 1:09:35

9M ago1:09:35

1:09:35

Coming right off the Democratic Convention, brilliant historian and writer Heather Cox Richardson gives her insights on where we are with the two parties and the upcoming election. She reminds us that democracy is not a given, and though we have to fight for it, we should find joy in that fight. That the Republicans are used to controlling the narr…

1
Trump New Plans | Trump's Broken Promises | Project 2025 | Scrood | 31 26:20

9M ago26:20

26:20

Trump's new plans for his second presidency, broken promises and project 2025. We discuss a few crazy highlights of Trump's plans that he recently released. For starters, Trump the terrible wants to seal the border and stop the migrant "invasion". Trump is all sizzle, no steak. Yep. And he wants to carry out the biggest deportation in American hist…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Leigh McGowan Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen