The Lean to the Left Podcast

Bob Gatty
  • 4.2 (15)
  • News Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome, Thoughtful Americans If you're concerned about the future of our democracy, social justice, human rights, the environment, healthcare, or political extremism, you belong here at Lean to the Left. Hosted by veteran journalist and political commentator Bob Gatty, Lean to the Left delivers sharp progressive commentary, timely political analysis, engaging interviews, and conversations with fascinating guests — from authors, activists, and political insiders to everyday people with extraordinary stories. No scripts. No corporate spin. No sugarcoating. Just independent journalism, honest discussion, a little humor, and the occasional dose of sarcasm. Now in its sixth year, the Lean to the Left podcast grew out of the LeantotheLeft.net blog, launched in 2017 in response to Donald Trump’s attacks on democratic institutions, the mainstream press, and basic political norms. Since then, the show has continued to challenge misinformation, expose political hypocrisy, and speak out against extremism and division in American politics. Bob Gatty brings decades of experience to the microphone as a journalist, communications executive, and former congressional chief of staff and press secretary for both Republican and Democratic members of Congress. He is also co-author of the three-volume series, Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump’s Attack on America’s Greatness. Whether you're looking for expert insight, progressive perspectives, political commentary, or thought-provoking conversations, Lean to the Left offers smart, independent content for listeners who care about what’s happening in America — and what we can do about it. Subscribe today and join the conversation. Visit us at leantotheleft.net Lean to the Left Podcast: podcast.leantotheleft.net Twitter x.com/leantotheleft1 Facebook facebook.com/notfakenews.2 Instagram instagram.com/leantotheleft1 Tik Tok tiktok.com/@leantotheleft

  1. How Two Supreme Court Decisions Could Change American Democracy

    5h ago

    How Two Supreme Court Decisions Could Change American Democracy

    Two recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions may have far greater consequences than most Americans realize. One gives presidents significantly more authority over independent federal agencies. The other removes limits on coordinated campaign spending, allowing political parties and candidates to work together with far fewer restrictions. Individually, each ruling is important. Taken together, they may create new opportunities for wealthy donors to influence government policy and for presidents to reward political allies after taking office. In this commentary, Bob Gatty explains why these two cases should be viewed together—and why they could reshape American democracy for years to come. Do you agree? Or am I connecting dots that don't belong together? Let me know in the comments. 👍 Please Like 📺 Subscribe 🔔 Click the notification bell For more independent political analysis, visit: https://LeanToTheLeft.net CHAPTERS 00:00 Why these two Supreme Court decisions matter 00:53 Decision #1: Expanding presidential power 02:05 Decision #2: More money in politics 02:57 Why the two rulings belong together 03:01 The FTC example 03:57 What this could mean for American democracy 04:29 Final thoughts

    5 min
  2. Jermaine Johnson's Plan for South Carolina | 4-Minute Highlights

    3d ago

    Jermaine Johnson's Plan for South Carolina | 4-Minute Highlights

    What does South Carolina Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dr. Jermaine Johnson want to do if elected governor? In this 4-minute highlight reel, Johnson outlines his plans to improve roads, strengthen public schools, expand healthcare access, reform taxes, address affordable housing, regulate AI data centers, and tackle other key issues facing South Carolina. 🎥 Hear the full exclusive interview on the Lean to the Left channel. Do you think Jermaine Johnson's plan would move South Carolina in the right direction? Let us know in the comments. #SouthCarolina #JermaineJohnson #GovernorRace #Politics #Election2026 #LeanToTheLeft

    4 min
  3. Jermaine Johnson, SC Dem Candidate for Governor, Discusses His Plan for Addressing State's Needs

    4d ago

    Jermaine Johnson, SC Dem Candidate for Governor, Discusses His Plan for Addressing State's Needs

    South Carolina Democratic nominee for governor Dr. Jermaine Johnson discusses his plans for addressing key issues, including roads, schools, healthcare, taxes and more, in an exclusive interview with Lean to the Left. To bring voters into the discussion, this conversation is driven by questions submitted through social media, giving South Carolina citizens a chance to ask Johnson about the issues they care about most. Johnson says decades of one-party Republican control have left South Carolina with some of the nation's worst roads, struggling schools, limited healthcare access, and too many working families falling behind. His goal? To help bring South Carolina out of the political dark ages—and into a future with better roads, stronger schools, affordable healthcare, and greater opportunity. In this interview, Johnson discusses: ✅ Repairing South Carolina's crumbling roads and bridges ✅ Improving public education and supporting teachers ✅ Expanding Medicaid and increasing access to healthcare ✅ Reforming state taxes without hurting working families ✅ Increasing affordable housing and helping veterans ✅ Reducing gun violence through responsible firearm policies ✅ Protecting women's reproductive freedom ✅ Regulating AI data centers while protecting South Carolina's natural resources ✅ Increasing voter participation and restoring confidence in state government Johnson stresses the need for political candidates to tell the truth about what's realistically possible to solve problems, and not make unrealistic promises rather than make promises that can't be kept -- like eliminating the state income tax, which provides 50% of funding for the state's budget. Whether you're a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or simply concerned about South Carolina's future, this conversation offers an in-depth look at one of the state's most important elections. What do you think? Can a Democrat win South Carolina? Let us know in the comments below. 👍 Like this video if you enjoyed it. 🔔 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for thoughtful conversations with political leaders, investigative journalists, authors, and policy experts. 📤 Share this interview with friends and family across South Carolina. About Lean to the Left Hosted by veteran journalist Bob Gatty, Lean to the Left features independent journalism, insightful interviews, and progressive commentary on the issues shaping America today. Substance. Not Sensationalism. Visit LeanToTheLeft.net for more podcasts, articles, and commentary. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction: Can a Democrat Win South Carolina? 01:02 Why Jermaine Johnson Is Running for Governor 03:00 Can a Democrat Win in a Red State? 03:45 Winning Independent Voters 05:05 Is Trump's Grip on South Carolina Slipping? 06:15 Tax Reform & The Income Tax Debate 09:25 Fixing South Carolina's Roads & Bridges 11:45 Education, Schools & Infant Mortality 14:05 AI Data Centers & "Bring Your Own Energy" 15:55 Abortion & Reproductive Rights 17:55 Gun Violence & Responsible Gun Ownership 19:45 Increasing Voter Participation 21:30 Helping Veterans & Affordable Housing 22:55 His Choice for Lieutenant Governor? 23:45 How to Support the Campaign 25:05 Final Thoughts #SouthCarolina #JermaineJohnson #SouthCarolinaGovernor #SouthCarolinaPolitics #Election2026 #Healthcare #Education #Infrastructure #MedicaidExpansion #LeanToTheLeft #BobGatty This interview was recorded in South Carolina as part of Lean to the Left's continuing coverage of the 2026 South Carolina governor's race.Jereymy Johnson Inter

    26 min
  4. How a Successful Podcast Can Create a Loyal Audience--and Grow Your Business

    Jun 22

    How a Successful Podcast Can Create a Loyal Audience--and Grow Your Business

    In this episode of Lean to the Left, host Bob Gatty talks with podcasting expert Michelle Glogovac, founder of MLG Collective, author of How to Get on Podcasts, and host of multiple successful podcasts including Read the Damn Book, Kitchen Briefs, and Beyond the Campaign. Michelle explains why podcasting continues to grow despite intense competition, how independent podcasters can compete with major media personalities, and why trust is the secret ingredient that makes podcasts such a powerful marketing and communications tool. She also shares her remarkable journey from selling jet fuel to becoming one of the industry's leading podcast publicists. Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, author, activist, or aspiring podcaster, Michelle offers practical advice on launching a show, finding your audience, creating compelling content, and using storytelling to build meaningful connections. She also discusses the success of her fast-growing Kitchen Briefs news series and reveals how she manages multiple podcasts while helping clients secure guest appearances on shows around the world. In this episode: ✅ Why podcast listeners trust podcast hosts ✅ How podcasting can help grow a business ✅ The real costs of starting a podcast ✅ Competing against celebrity and corporate podcasts ✅ How Michelle built a successful podcast PR business ✅ Why storytelling is the key to audience growth ✅ Tips for entrepreneurs and authors seeking podcast exposure ✅ How short-form content is helping Michelle reach new audiences If you've ever thought about starting a podcast—or using podcasts to grow your brand—this conversation is packed with valuable insights. New to Lean to the Left? Subscribe for conversations with authors, journalists, activists, thought leaders, and newsmakers discussing politics, democracy, media, culture, and the issues shaping America.Can a successful podcast create a loyal audience, help grow your business, build trust with customers, and establish you as a thought leader? 👍 Please Like, Subscribe, and Share to support independent journalism and thoughtful conversations. And, to check out the three episodes in our Truth Under Attack series, here are the links: ✅ Lilli McGregor -- Can We Trust Our Elections? https://leantotheleft.net/podcast/election-watchdog-republicans-benefited-voting-irregularities/ ✅ Alison Greene -- Uncovering Ghost Voters -- https://leantotheleft.net/podcast/ghost-voters-florida-investigation-raises-alarm-even-beyond-the-sunshine-state/ ✅ Marcel Reid -- Whistleblowers, the Free Press & Democracy Under Attack -- https://leantotheleft.net/podcast/they-want-us-silent-marcel-reid-on-why-democracy-needs-whistleblowers-and-a-free-pressmarcel-reid-whistleblowers-free-press-democracy-under-attack/ CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction & Meet Michelle Glogovac 02:42 Why Podcasting Exploded During COVID 04:10 Why Podcast Listeners Trust Their Hosts 06:22 Competing Against Celebrity & Network Podcasts 08:15 Why Independent Podcasters Have an Advantage 09:25 From Selling Jet Fuel to Podcast Matchmaker 11:15 Building a Podcast PR Business 12:05 Beyond the Campaign & Kitchen Briefs Success 13:35 Michelle's Take on Politics, Trump & UFC 15:20 How Podcasts Help Small Businesses Gain Customers 17:10 Turning a Podcast into a Marketing Tool 18:00 The Pizza Shop Podcast Example 20:25 What You Need to Start a Podcast 21:15 Starting a Podcast for Less Than $100 a Month 22:20 How Michelle Produces Four Podcasts 24:15 Michelle's Book: How to Get on Podcasts 25:30 Repurposing Podcast Content for Growth 26:20 Why Every Creator Should Own Their Domain Name 27:45 Using Substack and Websites Together 28:45 Do You Need Guests on Your Podcast? 29:45 Bob's Famous UFO Reporting Story 32:20 Audio vs. Video Podcasts: Which Is Better? 33:30 Do You Need B-Roll, Graphics & Fancy Effects? 34:40 Music, Copyright & Podcast Production Tips 35:25 Can You Actually Make Money Podcasting? 36:25 SEO Tips for Podcasters 37:15 Michelle's Pod

    39 min
  5. They Want Us Silent: Marcel Reid on Whistleblowers, the Free Press & Democracy Under Attack

    Jun 14

    They Want Us Silent: Marcel Reid on Whistleblowers, the Free Press & Democracy Under Attack

    With the free press and democracy under attack, Marcel Reid has spent years fighting to protect whistleblowers, journalists, and the public's right to know the truth. A former ACORN whistleblower, Reid now organizes the annual Whistleblower Summit for Civil and Human Rights and advocates for those who risk everything to expose corruption, waste, fraud, and abuse. In this powerful conversation, Reid explains why attacks on journalists and whistleblowers threaten democracy itself, how whistleblowers help reporters uncover the truth, and why Americans should be concerned about growing efforts to silence dissent. She also discusses the hidden dangers facing vulnerable citizens under guardianship systems and why speaking truth to power has become increasingly difficult in today's political climate. One of her most powerful warnings: "Democracies don't last if people don't know the truth." — Marcel Reid Topics include: ✅ Freedom of the press ✅ Whistleblower protections ✅ Donald Trump's attacks on journalists ✅ The role of investigative reporting ✅ Guardianship and conservatorship abuse ✅ Government accountability ✅ Civil rights and democracy ✅ The Whistleblower Summit If you believe truth matters, this is a conversation you need to hear. Subscribe to Lean to the Left for independent progressive commentary, in-depth interviews, and analysis that cuts through the noise. Part of our continuing "Truth Under Attack" series: Lilli McGregor: Can we trust our elections? Alison Greene: Who uncovers the truth? Marcel Reid: Who protects those brave enough to tell it? Because democracy survives only when truth survives. #Whistleblowers #FreePress #MarcelReid #Democracy #Journalism #Trump #CivilRights #GovernmentAccountability #investigativejournalism CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Why Press Freedom Matters 01:35 Marcel Reid's Warning About Democracy 03:00 When Facts Become "Just Opinions" 04:10 Why Journalists Need Whistleblowers 06:00 How Marcel Reid Became an ACORN Whistleblower 08:00 Organizing America's Whistleblower Community 09:00 The Whistleblower Summit & Film Festival 11:00 Guardianship Abuse and Vulnerable Americans 13:00 Alzheimer's, Conservatorships, and Family Rights 16:00 Protecting Society's Most Vulnerable 17:00 Epstein Victims and Speaking Out 18:00 Why Fewer Americans Are Reporting Wrongdoing 20:00 Why Whistleblowers Often Stand Alone 21:00 Fighting for Justice Without Financial Reward 22:00 Journalists and Whistleblowers: Democracy's Defenders 23:00 Chilling Free Speech and Public Dissent 24:00 What Really Happens When You Blow the Whistle 26:00 Advice for Future Whistleblowers 27:00 Resources for Whistleblowers 28:00 The Pillar Award and Courage in Public Life 29:00 Final Thoughts on Truth, Courage, and Democracy 30:00 Whistleblower Summit Information

    31 min
  6. Ghost Voters. Florida Investigation Raises Alarm Even Beyond the Sunshine State

    Jun 11

    Ghost Voters. Florida Investigation Raises Alarm Even Beyond the Sunshine State

    Alarming questions about the security of U.S. elections involving so-called "ghost voters" and allegations of Russian interference are raised in this episode of Lean to the Left. Investigative journalist Alison Greene discusses her work examining Florida voter registration records and explains why the evidence she uncovered deserves immediate public attention and further independent review. Greene assisted the Election Truth Alliance (ETA) investigation featured in our previous episode with Executive Director Lilli McGregor. View that episode here: https://youtu.be/qu0jqq3CikA But in this conversation, she takes viewers deeper into what she found in Florida, including claims involving so-called "ghost voters," missing voter records, unusual registration patterns, and public records that she argues raise troubling questions about election transparency and voter roll integrity. Among the topics discussed: • Why St. Lucie County became the focal point of her investigation • Claims involving thousands of missing voter records • The discovery of what Greene calls "ghost voters" in public databases • Questions about voter registration anomalies and election oversight • Why she believes these concerns extend beyond Florida • What citizens can do now to verify their voter registration before the next election This interview is Part 2 of Lean to the Left's examination of election integrity concerns raised by the Election Truth Alliance. Part 1: Lilli McGregor discusses investigations in Florida, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina that she says uncovered statistical anomalies warranting independent review. Part 2: Alison Greene provides a deeper look into Florida and explains why voters across America should pay attention. Watch the interview. Examine the evidence presented. And decide for yourself. Subscribe to Lean to the Left for independent journalism, political commentary, and conversations that challenge conventional wisdom. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction: Election Questions in Florida 01:00 Meet Investigative Journalist Alison Greene 02:26 How Greene Became Involved in the Florida Investigation 05:24 Registration Numbers That "Didn't Add Up" 07:36 Voters Registering After the Deadline? 09:27 Missing Voters and the "Ghosting" Theory 11:02 Bob Woodward, Russia, and St. Lucie County 14:13 The Missing 25,000 Voter Records 17:05 Why St. Lucie County Matters 19:29 Patterns Emerging Across Florida 20:47 Introducing the "Ghost Voters" 23:14 Who Benefits? Following the Evidence 24:01 Jack Smith, Mar-a-Lago, and Voting Rights Allegations 30:31 Jamie Raskin's Question to Jack Smith 36:03 Looking for "Found Votes" 37:18 Invisible Houses and Phantom Addresses 39:26 Beyond Florida: Similar Patterns Elsewhere? 41:00 Trump's Fraud Claims Revisited 42:28 Responding to Critics 43:12 Why Greene Says This Matters Before the Midterms 46:22 What Voters Can Do Now 47:18 The "Ghost Catchers" Initiative 49:26 How Viewers Can Get Involved 50:28 Final Thoughts: Democracy and Courage #GhostVoters #ElectionIntegrity #FloridaPolitics #VotingRights #ElectionTruthAlliance #AlisonGreene #Democracy #Politics #LeanToTheLeft

    50 min
  7. Election Watchdog: Republicans Benefited from Voting Irregularities

    Jun 7

    Election Watchdog: Republicans Benefited from Voting Irregularities

    Did Republicans benefit from election irregularities in key battleground states? According to the nonpartisan Election Truth Alliance (ETA), statistical analyses in Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and other states identified patterns that warrant further investigation. In this episode of Lean to the Left, Bob Gatty speaks with ETA Executive Director Lilli McGregor about the organization's findings, ongoing legal action in Pennsylvania, concerns surrounding voting-system vulnerabilities, and why Florida may be one of the most significant cases under review. ETA emphasizes that its findings do not prove fraud occurred. However, the organization argues that audits, hand counts, and additional investigation are necessary to ensure public confidence in future elections. The conversation also explores: ✅ Voting machine vulnerabilities ✅ Election audits and recounts ✅ Pennsylvania election lawsuit ✅ Florida voter registration concerns ✅ Election security vs. voter fraud ✅ Why local election officials matter ✅ Protecting future elections ✅ What voters should know before the midterms Whether you agree or disagree with ETA's conclusions, this conversation raises important questions about election transparency, public confidence, and how democracies safeguard the vote. Guest: Lilli McGregor, Executive Director, Election Truth Alliance Learn more about Election Truth Alliance: electiontruthalliance.org ABOUT LEAN TO THE LEFT Lean to the Left is an independent progressive news and commentary platform hosted by veteran journalist Bob Gatty. We feature conversations with authors, experts, activists, political leaders, and everyday Americans about the issues shaping our country. 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews, commentary, and analysis. #ElectionIntegrity #ElectionSecurity #VotingRights #Democracy #VotingMachines #ElectionTruthAlliance #LilliMcGregor #BobGatty #LeanToTheLeft #Politics #ElectionTransparency #Voting #DemocracyMatters #ElectionAudit #electionreform CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction: Can America Trust Its Elections? 01:00 Meet Lilli McGregor and the Election Truth Alliance 02:00 Are Voting Machines Vulnerable to Manipulation? 04:45 Why Some Countries Rejected Electronic Voting 07:00 What ETA Means by Election Security Risks 08:45 Statistical Red Flags in Election Data 10:30 Did Republicans Benefit from Election Irregularities? 12:15 ETA's Pennsylvania Investigation Explained 13:00 Bomb Threats, Machine Failures & Software Updates 16:00 Why Pennsylvania Became a Focus of Concern 16:45 North Carolina Findings Raise Questions 18:30 Who Benefited in North Carolina? 19:15 Following the Money: How ETA Is Funded 21:00 Addressing Claims of Partisanship 23:30 What Voters Should Know About Election Security 25:00 Why Local Election Officials Matter Most 26:45 Recounts, Audits & Protecting Future Elections 28:15 Florida Investigation Could Be Explosive 29:15 Who Benefited from the Florida Patterns? 30:00 Voter Fraud vs. Systemic Election Manipulation 31:15 How Citizens Can Get Involved 32:00 Final Thoughts & Where to Learn More

    32 min
  8. John Vincent: Is a Historic Democratic Upset Coming in Deep South?

    May 30

    John Vincent: Is a Historic Democratic Upset Coming in Deep South?

    Is a historic Democratic upset coming in the deep South? Can a Democrat really flip South Carolina’s deeply red 7th Congressional District? Retired Navy Command Master Chief and small business owner John Vincent says yes — and he explains why in this explosive interview with Lean to the Left host Bob Gatty. Vincent, who is challenging MAGA Republican Congressman Russell Fry, argues that Fry’s unwavering loyalty to Donald Trump has made him vulnerable with independents, moderate Republicans, and frustrated voters across South Carolina. In this wide-ranging conversation, Vincent discusses: * Why he believes SC-7 is competitive * How his military and business background shaped his campaign * Why he calls himself a “fiscally conservative moderate Democrat” * His plans to address veteran homelessness and addiction * Concerns about Social Security solvency * The impact of Trump’s influence on Republican politics * Why he believes Democrats can compete in the South Vincent also explains his grassroots strategy for overcoming Fry’s massive fundraising advantage and why he believes traditional political playbooks no longer work. If you care about the future of democracy, veterans issues, economic accountability, and the battle for control of Congress, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 👉 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for independent political interviews and commentary focused on democracy, accountability, and social justice. #JohnVincent #RussellFry #SouthCarolinaPolitics #SC7 #LeanToTheLeft #DonaldTrump #MAGA #CongressionalRace #VeteransIssues #SocialSecurity #Democrats #progressivepolitics CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction: Can John Vincent Flip SC-7? 00:45 – Why Vincent Believes Russell Fry Is Vulnerable 02:00 – How Navy Leadership & Business Experience Shape His Campaign 03:45 – The “10/10/15” Formula for Beating Fry 05:45 – Is MAGA Becoming a Liability for Republicans? 07:20 – Why Fry’s Trump Loyalty Could Hurt Him 08:15 – Lack of Support from Democratic Party Leaders 09:05 – The Massive Fundraising Gap: Fry vs. Vincent 10:00 – How Vincent Plans to Compete Without Big Money 11:30 – Why Vincent Says Somebody Has to Fight Back 13:15 – Grassroots Strategy & Building a Ground Game 14:05 – Coordinating With Local Democratic Candidates 15:00 – Why Personal Connections Beat TV Ads 15:40 – Vincent’s Event That Drew 326 People 17:45 – What a Vincent Victory Would Mean Nationally 18:45 – Could Democrats Flip 40 Congressional Seats? 19:20 – Vincent’s Key Campaign Issues & Policy Plans 19:45 – Fighting Tariffs & Economic Pain 20:10 – Tackling Veteran Homelessness & Addiction 20:40 – Saving Social Security & Fiscal Responsibility 22:00 – Why Vincent Opposes Deficit Spending 23:40 – Why Conservatives & Independents Are Listening 24:45 – Vincent’s Warning About Democracy & Trump 26:00 – January 6 Pardons & “Back the Blue” Hypocrisy 27:15 – How Viewers Can Support the Campaign 28:45 – Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

    30 min
See All (828)

4.2
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Welcome, Thoughtful Americans If you're concerned about the future of our democracy, social justice, human rights, the environment, healthcare, or political extremism, you belong here at Lean to the Left. Hosted by veteran journalist and political commentator Bob Gatty, Lean to the Left delivers sharp progressive commentary, timely political analysis, engaging interviews, and conversations with fascinating guests — from authors, activists, and political insiders to everyday people with extraordinary stories. No scripts. No corporate spin. No sugarcoating. Just independent journalism, honest discussion, a little humor, and the occasional dose of sarcasm. Now in its sixth year, the Lean to the Left podcast grew out of the LeantotheLeft.net blog, launched in 2017 in response to Donald Trump’s attacks on democratic institutions, the mainstream press, and basic political norms. Since then, the show has continued to challenge misinformation, expose political hypocrisy, and speak out against extremism and division in American politics. Bob Gatty brings decades of experience to the microphone as a journalist, communications executive, and former congressional chief of staff and press secretary for both Republican and Democratic members of Congress. He is also co-author of the three-volume series, Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump’s Attack on America’s Greatness. Whether you're looking for expert insight, progressive perspectives, political commentary, or thought-provoking conversations, Lean to the Left offers smart, independent content for listeners who care about what’s happening in America — and what we can do about it. Subscribe today and join the conversation. Visit us at leantotheleft.net Lean to the Left Podcast: podcast.leantotheleft.net Twitter x.com/leantotheleft1 Facebook facebook.com/notfakenews.2 Instagram instagram.com/leantotheleft1 Tik Tok tiktok.com/@leantotheleft

Information

You Might Also Like