The Left Hook

Mark Bland
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Hosted by Mark Bland, The Left Hook is a current affairs and pop culture show with a political twist. Weekly the guys interview actors, writers, artist and a revolving cast of characters to bring you multiple views of some of the most controversial and engaging topics of our time.

  1. HACE 4 DÍAS

    The Left Hook - 23 - Nuremberg

    In this explosive episode of The Left Hook, hosts Mark Bland and guest Drew Pinson deliver a fiery takedown of the Trump administration's deadly immigration crackdown, spotlighting the shocking killings of innocent Americans by undertrained, overarmed federal agents during Operation Metro Surge—a massive ICE and Border Patrol invasion targeting blue cities like Minneapolis. They break down the January 24, 2026, fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen, where bodycam and eyewitness footage shows six agents swarming him, disarming his legally carried firearm, yelling "He's got a gun" after removing it, and then two officers opening fire—despite no evidence he attacked or brandished the weapon. This comes just weeks after the January 7 killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three shot in her car by an ICE agent while supporting immigrant neighbors, sparking nationwide outrage, protests, and a DOJ civil rights probe. Bland and Pinson slam the agents' lack of training, absence of non-lethal options like tasers, and "all-or-nothing" lethal mindset—comparing them to the bumbling Citizens on Patrol from Police Academy movies—while highlighting how Trump's goon squads terrorize communities without accountability, paid for by hardworking taxpayers' dollars. They expose the blatant authoritarian extortion: AG Pam Bondi demanding Minnesota's 2020 voter rolls from Gov. Tim Walz in exchange for pulling ICE out, a clear power grab to meddle in elections and purge rolls, echoed in similar FBI raids on Georgia election offices. The hosts call out the administration's clumsy, unnecessary chaos—floating wild ideas, saying everything out loud, alienating allies, and stoking division to numb the public—while even moderate voices like Drew express exhaustion at America becoming a global punchline. From Kristi Noem's "just following orders" defense (evoking chilling historical parallels) to Republicans like Thom Tillis publicly distancing themselves, Bland and Pinson warn this isn't about safety or law and order—it's raw power, loyalty tests, and voter suppression dressed up as enforcement. A must-listen rallying cry against federal overreach, incompetence, and the erosion of rights under a regime that prioritizes chaos over helping everyday Americans.

    45 min
  2. Left Hook - 22 - Sometimes You Need a Dictator

    27 ENE

    Left Hook - 22 - Sometimes You Need a Dictator

    On The Left Hook, host Mark Bland opened the show by tapping into a feeling many Americans already have: when Donald Trump talks about being a "dictator," it no longer sounds like a joke. Bland argued that the comments feel revealing, not playful, and stressed that dictatorship has never been part of the American tradition or something the public has ever wanted. Bland connected that rhetoric to Trump's governing style, describing it as transactional and self-serving. He pointed to Trump bypassing Congress, using foreign policy as leverage for personal or political gain, and benefiting financially through branding and crypto ventures—reportedly up to $1.5 billion—while in office. In Bland's view, the line between public duty and private profit has all but disappeared. Turning to public sentiment, Bland cited new polling showing roughly 70% of Americans believe the country is out of control, including many Republicans and Trump voters. He framed that frustration around everyday realities: high prices, unaffordable housing, broken economic promises, and fear sparked by aggressive immigration enforcement. The moment that grounded the segment came when Bland shared a personal story: his daughter, usually uninterested in politics, texted him a clip of Trump and asked why a president would talk this way. Bland said that moment underscored what's at stake—young people are watching, learning, and forming opinions in real time. His warning was simple: Americans are exhausted by chaos and are craving leadership that steadies the country instead of rattling it.

    45 min

  3. 22 ENE

    The Left Hook - That STL Guy

    Today's show takes a fun, non-political detour with special guest Clay Cornett, better known online as That STL Guy — a passionate St. Louis content creator famous for his neighborhood bike tours, history deep-dives, food spots, and events on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Clay shares how his project started as a creative outlet while living in Baltimore during his wife's med school years. Tired of nonstop St. Louis chatter at work, he embraced the nickname 'That STL Guy' and began filming bike rides through all 79 St. Louis City neighborhoods with a GoPro. The videos exploded, building a huge following of people who love the city's pride, quirks, and hidden stories — from educational history to cool local eats. They geek out over St. Louis lore, like the infamous Bloody Island in the Mississippi (site of historic duels, including Abraham Lincoln's near-miss with James Shields over snarky newspaper letters — Lincoln cleverly chose broadswords!). They touch on heavy topics like Pruitt-Igoe, the 1874 Great Divorce (city-county split), white flight, Delmar Divide, and why St. Louis crime stats get exaggerated due to its tiny 60-square-mile boundaries. It's a heartfelt love letter to STL pride, bipartisanship, and community — plus congrats to Clay on his upcoming baby! Check out ThatSTLGuy on TikTok for more. Classic St. Louis vibes.

    45 min

  4. 12 ENE

    The Left Hook - 20 - Rogue

    The latest episode of The Left Hook, hosted by Mark Bland with guest Jason Kull, delivers a fiery critique of President Trump's early 2026 actions, framing them as evidence of a rogue presidency detached from law, protocol, and basic decency. Hosts highlight Trump's unilateral military raid on Venezuela, where U.S. forces abducted President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in early January, whisking them to New York for trial on drug and weapons charges. Trump has declared the U.S. will "run" Venezuela indefinitely, controlling its massive oil reserves and revenues—potentially billions—while claiming it reimburses America and benefits U.S. companies. Critics call this an illegal invasion and resource grab, violating international law and echoing imperial overreach, with no congressional approval and Congress attempting (but likely failing) to limit his war powers. The move has sparked global condemnation, protests, and fears of prolonged occupation. Tying into domestic overreach, the episode condemns a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis: 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother of three Renee Nicole Good was killed by an agent during an immigration operation. Video evidence shows her attempting to drive away, not charge officers, yet DHS and Trump allies labeled it self-defense and smeared her as an agitator. Local leaders demand accountability, but federal takeover of the investigation blocks state access, fueling outrage over clumsy, unnecessary force and impunity under Trump. Bland and Kull argue Trump disregards norms—kidnapping foreign leaders, seizing assets for personal or national gain, ignoring Congress, and defending deadly errors—while surrounded by figures like Stephen Miller pushing aggressive, unapologetic power plays. They say this transcends left-right divides: it's about decency versus indecency, with calls for impeachment, resignation, or public vote to rein him in before more harm. They are urgent, warning Americans their tax dollars and military enable a leader gone rogue, eroding U.S. reputation worldwide.

    45 min

  5. 6 ENE

    the Left Hook - 19 - Nostradamus Effect

    Welcome back to another explosive episode of The Left Hook, where we deliver the unfiltered truth about the MAGA nightmare gripping America. Folks, 2026 is here, and Donald Trump is spiraling faster than ever. Just before New Year's, the DOJ dropped a bombshell batch of Epstein files—thousands of pages exposing Trump's desperate attempts to bury his ties to the convicted pedophile. Among the horrors: an FBI tip alleging Trump raped a 13-year-old girl trafficked by Epstein, got her pregnant, then stood by as her uncle murdered the newborn and dumped the body in Lake Michigan. Trump fought tooth and nail to block these releases—why? Because the truth reveals he's hiding decades of depravity. On Christmas Day, while families celebrated, Trump rage-posted over 100 times on Truth Social, attacking immigrants, whining about 2020, and calling Democrats "radical left scum." No family time—just unhinged grievances from a lonely grifter. Then came Jack Smith's damning deposition: ironclad proof Trump orchestrated the 2020 election steal and January 6 insurrection. Smith nailed it—Trump's guilty, and he'd prosecute him Republican or Democrat. America, this criminal in the White House must go. Midterms are coming—vote blue to reclaim our democracy before Trump's chaos destroys us all. Rise up!

    45 min

  6. 23/12/2025

    Left Hook - 18 - The Hunger Games 2026

    Holiday Nostalgia & The Political Landscape of 2026. Hosts Mark Bland and Jason Kull kick off the final show of the year with a warm dive into holiday traditions: strict rules about when Christmas movies are allowed, mandatory Christmas Eve breakfasts, and a shared disdain for warm December weather. They reminisce about the golden age of toys, calculating that the iconic $129 G.I. Joe USS Flagg carrier from the 1980s would cost about $402 in today's dollars—roughly the price of a modern VR headset. The conversation quickly pivots to a sharp critique of the political moment. The hosts dissect President Trump's proposed "Warrior Dividend"—a $1,776 bonus for 1.5 million service members—calling it a flashy political stunt funded by shuffling existing military budgets rather than new revenue from tariffs. They express frustration with claims of an economic boom that don't match the reality of high prices and a 36% economic approval rating. Looking ahead to July 2026, they darkly compare the planned 250th anniversary celebrations—including a nationwide competition—to The Hunger Games, warning that the year could be "lit" in the most dystopian sense. Despite the heavy satire, the episode ends with a heartfelt Merry Christmas and cautious hope for stability in the year ahead.

    45 min

  7. 15/12/2025

    the Left hook - 17 - The Standard

    In this engaging episode of The Left Hook, host Mark Bland welcomes Fred Wellman, a retired Army veteran, host of the On Democracy podcast, and Democratic candidate challenging longtime Republican Rep. Ann Wagner for Missouri's 2nd Congressional District seat. Wellman, a West Point graduate, Ranger, and helicopter pilot with four combat tours—including Desert Storm and Iraq—shares what drove him to run: frustration with Republican policies that hurt working families, like cuts to healthcare and SNAP, juxtaposed against billionaire excess. He recounts personal stories, including helping his bartender son access Medicaid under the ACA, and contrasts that with GOP rhetoric dismissing young workers as "lazy." Wellman criticizes Wagner for never holding a town hall in 13 years, refusing constituent engagement, and enabling unchecked executive overreach, vowing to represent all district residents regardless of party.The conversation turns deeply personal as Wellman opens up about the heavy toll of military service—losing two soldiers in Desert Storm, his interpreter beheaded in Iraq, and profound PTSD treated through years of therapy. He reflects on survivor's guilt, the moral weight of ordering troops into harm's way, and how these experiences shape his view that leaders must take war seriously. Bland and Wellman discuss broader issues like generational wealth decline, skyrocketing housing and energy costs, abortion rights ignored despite Missouri voters passing Amendment 3, and the need for investment in education, healthcare, and veterans rather than endless cuts. Fred positions his campaign as service-driven, promising accessibility and focus on affordability for the next generation. Listeners can learn more at wellmanformo.com.

    45 min

  8. 09/12/2025

    The Left Hook - 16 - Off the Air

    Mark Bland and perennial co-host Jason Kull dive into Missouri's new porn-site age-verification law that forced Pornhub and others to block the state entirely. The duo erupts in disbelief: Republican lawmakers who scream "small government" just made it harder for adults (including themselves) to access legal porn, all while ignoring that the same voters overwhelmingly passed a pro-choice amendment the state refuses to honor. They call it peak hypocrisy: "They'll track your porn but won't release Epstein files or count your vote." The rant spirals into broader MAGA absurdities: Trump still whining about 2020 five years later, Kash Patel's cosplay FBI jacket, Pete Hegseth's boat-shooting scandal285 shooting narco-subs, pardoning Jan 6 rioters while arresting a "pipe-bomber" nobody cares about, and Joe Rogan parroting nonsense about non-citizens voting in Minnesota. Mark predicts the first big Trump cabinet casualty will be Hegseth, Bondi, or Patel, bets Jason a milkshake it'll be spun as "Biden's fault," and warns the authoritarian pendulum is swinging hard. It's raw, furious, hilarious Midwestern talk-radio at its finest — equal parts outrage and dark comedy about a country that can't even keep its porn free anymore.

    45 min
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Hosted by Mark Bland, The Left Hook is a current affairs and pop culture show with a political twist. Weekly the guys interview actors, writers, artist and a revolving cast of characters to bring you multiple views of some of the most controversial and engaging topics of our time.

Información

  • Creador
    Mark Bland
  • Años de actividad
    2012 - 2026
  • Episodios
    468
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
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    The Left Hook