The Lean to the Left Podcast

Bob Gatty
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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. Republican Against Trump: Congressional Challenger Breaks with Trump in Deep Red South Carolina

    6d ago

    Republican Against Trump: Congressional Challenger Breaks with Trump in Deep Red South Carolina

    Can a Republican candidate who is against Trump and rejects MAGA politics still win in deep red South Carolina? Marine veteran and congressional candidate Sam Gibbons says yes. In this revealing conversation with Bob Gatty on Lean to the Left, Gibbons explains why he’s challenging longtime Congressman Joe Wilson in South Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District — and why he believes Donald Trump has “bastardized” the Republican Party. Gibbons discusses: Why he opposes Trump’s policies and leadership style His strong criticism of war with Iran Concerns about Pete Hegseth and military leadership Immigration, tariffs, and economic chaos Organizing South Carolina “No Kings” rallies Why he believes Republicans have been “sold a lie” The future of the GOP beyond MAGA politics A Marine veteran, teacher, and conservative who says he values honor, duty, and transparency, Gibbons offers a rare perspective from inside the Republican base in one of America’s reddest states. Do you think voters are ready for Republicans who reject Trumpism? 👇 Join the conversation in the comments. 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📢 Share this episode #SamGibbons #SouthCarolinaPolitics #MAGA #Trump #Republicans #LeanToTheLeft #BobGatty #JoeWilson #CongressionalRace #Iran #Veterans #Politics CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Intro: A Republican Challenging MAGA in South Carolina 01:05 – Why Sam Gibbons Decided to Run for Congress 02:10 – Conservative Values vs. Trump Politics 03:18 – Organizing South Carolina “No Kings” Rallies 05:05 – Trump, Iran, and the Dangers of War 06:18 – Would He Refuse an Illegal Military Order? 07:20 – Veterans, Moral Injury & Military Suicide Concerns 08:05 – Pete Hegseth Under Fire 09:35 – Senator Kelly and Illegal Orders Debate 10:40 – Why Gibbons Rejects MAGA Politics 12:00 – Honor, Duty & Transparency 13:00 – “Trump Is a Snake Oil Salesman” 13:40 – Can He Beat Joe Wilson? 14:35 – Tariffs, Trade Wars & Economic Damage 16:00 – Immigration, USAID & Global Stability 17:10 – Trump’s Immigration Policies & Labor Shortages 19:00 – Fear, Xenophobia & “Politics of Vibes” 21:05 – Farmers, Inflation & Rising Costs 21:35 – Dominion Energy Rate Hikes in South Carolina 22:30 – Understanding South Carolina’s 2nd District 23:35 – Teaching, Military Prep & Demographics 25:05 – How Trump Changed the Republican Party 26:05 – Are Cracks Forming Inside the GOP? 26:40 – Friends, Family & Speaking Out Against Trump 27:25 – “Be Brave in Your Values” 29:00 – Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

    30 min
  2. Investigative Journalist Nick Bryant: The Epstein Cover-up Never Ended

    May 21

    Investigative Journalist Nick Bryant: The Epstein Cover-up Never Ended

    What really happened in the Jeffrey Epstein case — and why do so many Americans believe the full truth is still being hidden? Investigative journalist Nick Bryant joins the Lean to the Left podcast to discuss his 15 years-long investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, alleged government cover-ups, trafficking victims, blackmail claims, and why he says “the cover-up never ended.” Bryant helped bring worldwide attention to the Epstein scandal after publishing Epstein’s “Black Book” and flight logs online in 2015. He is also the author of Compromised: The Politics of Sex, Lies, and Blackmail and director of the nonprofit organization Epstein Justice. In this interview, Bryant discusses: 🔥 Why he believes multiple administrations protected Epstein 🔥 Claims of a broader trafficking and blackmail network 🔥 The significance of Epstein’s Black Book and flight logs 🔥 Ghislaine Maxwell’s conviction and unanswered questions 🔥 Alleged failures by the DOJ and FBI 🔥 Why victims still haven’t received full justice 🔥 The push for an independent congressional investigation Bryant also explains why he believes both Republicans and Democrats have failed to fully expose the Epstein network and what Americans can do to demand transparency. Another nugget: Bryant believes Epstein was murdered in his cell, that he did NOT commit suicide as the government claims. 👉 Learn more about Epstein Justice: https://EpsteinJustice.com 👉 Visit Nick Bryant’s website: https://NickBryantNYC.com 👉 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for more interviews and political commentary. Lean to the Left: Stay Informed. Speak Up. Join the Conversation. #JeffreyEpstein #NickBryant #EpsteinFiles #EpsteinCoverup #GhislaineMaxwell #InvestigativeJournalism #HumanTrafficking #Politics #LeanToTheLeft #BobGatty CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Intro: Epstein Questions Won’t Go Away 01:05 – Why Nick Bryant Started Investigating Epstein 02:15 – The Franklin Scandal Connection 03:00 – Discovering Epstein’s Black Book 03:45 – Victims Speak Out 04:20 – Epstein’s Inner Circle & Sarah Kellen 05:10 – “Epstein Was Protected” 06:00 – DOJ, FBI & Acosta Controversy 07:05 – Bryant: “The Coverup Never Ended” 07:45 – Why Bryant Rejects the Official Narrative 08:30 – Victims Failed by the Justice System 09:30 – Compensation Program Controversies 10:10 – Claims About the Scale of Abuse 10:40 – Why Transparency Matters 11:20 – The Push for an Independent Commission 12:00 – Inside Epstein Justice 12:45 – Political Support on Capitol Hill 13:00 – What Was in Epstein’s Black Book? 13:50 – Alleged Blackmail Operations 14:35 – Secret Surveillance Rooms Explained 15:20 – Did Epstein Die by Suicide? 16:00 – Theories About a Larger Organization 17:00 – The History of Political Blackmail 18:00 – Why Ghislaine Maxwell Became the “Fall Guy” 18:50 – Will There Ever Be More Prosecutions? 19:30 – Bryant’s Long Fight for Accountability 20:15 – Why He Focused on Child Trafficking Cases 22:00 – How to Support Epstein Justice 22:40 – Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

    25 min
  3. Why People Are Going Broke From Medical Debt in the US Trying to Stay Healthy

    May 18

    Why People Are Going Broke From Medical Debt in the US Trying to Stay Healthy

    Why are Americans going broke trying to stay healthy? The real question is why is healthcare in America so expensive in the first place — and who profits from it? On this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, Bob Gatty talks with Dr. Adam Cunningham, founder of Sylk Health, about the hidden costs of healthcare, the medical debt crisis, and why millions of Americans are struggling to afford treatment. They discuss: • Why hospital pricing is intentionally hidden • How medical debt drives bankruptcy in America • Why healthcare has become a social justice issue • The shocking cost differences between U.S. and overseas treatment • Medical tourism and affordable care abroad • Insurance companies, hospital lobbying, and pharmaceutical profits • Medicare, supplemental insurance, and rising costs for seniors • Alzheimer’s care and the crushing financial burden on families • Why meaningful healthcare reform remains so difficult Dr. Cunningham explains how Sylk Health compares medical procedure costs between the U.S. and accredited hospitals in China, giving patients new options when facing massive medical bills. This conversation goes beyond politics and gets to the heart of a broken healthcare system that leaves working families drowning in debt while corporations profit. 🔔 Subscribe for more progressive political commentary, interviews, and analysis from the Lean to the Left podcast. 💬 What has YOUR experience been with healthcare costs in America? Share your story in the comments. 🌐 Visit: Lean to the Left 🌐 Learn more about Sylk Health #Healthcare #MedicalDebt #HealthcareReform #MedicalTourism #Medicare #BigPharma #HealthcareCosts #SocialJustice #LeanToTheLeft #progressivepoliticsexplained CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Intro: Healthcare as a Social Justice Issue 01:00 – Meet Dr. Adam Cunningham of Sylk Health 02:00 – Why U.S. Healthcare Prices Are Hidden 03:05 – Hospitals Profit From Patient Confusion 04:10 – Why Americans Never See Prices Up Front 05:00 – Medical Debt and Bankruptcy in America 06:00 – Americans Seeking Treatment Abroad 07:05 – The Shocking Cost of Hip Replacement Surgery 08:00 – Why Many People Avoid Medical Care 09:00 – Medicare, Supplemental Insurance & Rising Costs 10:05 – Bob Discusses Alzheimer’s Care Expenses 11:15 – Why Long-Term Care Is Financially Crushing Families 12:20 – Wealth Extraction in the Healthcare Industry 13:15 – Understaffed Memory Care Facilities 14:30 – How Other Countries Handle Elder Care 15:20 – Should America Have Medicare for All? 16:30 – Why Healthcare Reform Is So Difficult 17:00 – What Sylk Health Actually Does 18:00 – Comparing U.S. vs China Surgery Prices 19:15 – The Rise of Medical Tourism 20:15 – Why Healthcare Costs Keep Rising 21:00 – Can the American Healthcare System Change? 22:00 – Politics, Lobbyists & Healthcare Money 24:00 – Hospital Price Transparency Failures 25:00 – Why Most Hospitals Ignore Transparency Laws 26:00 – Insurance Companies vs Patients 27:00 – Outrageous Hospital Markups Exposed 28:30 – Pharmaceutical Advertising & Lobbying 30:00 – Big Pharma’s Influence on Congress 31:00 – How to Learn More About Sylk Health 32:00 – Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

    34 min
  4. America’s Healthcare Crisis Exposed: Dr. Erica Urquhart on Insurance Companies, Greed and Broken Care Systems

    May 10

    America’s Healthcare Crisis Exposed: Dr. Erica Urquhart on Insurance Companies, Greed and Broken Care Systems

    Why is healthcare in America so expensive — and why do insurance companies seem to control so much of the system? On this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, orthopedic surgeon and author Dr. Erica Rowe Urquhart joins Bob Gatty to expose what she calls the “hidden cause” of America’s healthcare crisis. Drawing on two decades of frontline medical experience, Dr. Urquhart explains how insurance companies use prior authorizations, retroactive denials, confusing billing systems, and corporate-driven policies to delay care and maximize profits — often at the expense of patients and doctors alike.  Topics discussed include: • Why healthcare costs are hidden from patients • How insurance companies profit from delaying care • The burden of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement systems • Why doctors spend huge amounts of time on paperwork instead of patients • How AI could help modernize healthcare administration • Prescription drug pricing and pharmaceutical greed • Trump and the Affordable Care Act • Whether Medicare for All is realistic • The future of independent medical practices Dr. Urquhart’s book, The Invisible Hand Wielding the Scalpel: The Hidden Cause of America’s Health Care Crisis, is an Amazon bestseller and offers an insider’s look at how corporate healthcare impacts real people every day.  👉 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for progressive political commentary, expert interviews, and discussions on the issues shaping America today. #Healthcare #Medicare #InsuranceCompanies #HealthcareReform #LeanToTheLeft #ProgressivePolitics #MedicalCosts #AffordableCareAct #AIinHealthcare #BigInsurance CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Intro: America’s Healthcare Crisis 01:02 – Why Healthcare Became a “Race to the Bottom” 02:45 – Insurance Companies vs. Patient Care 04:10 – Are Delays and Denials Intentional? 05:30 – Why Patients Never Know Healthcare Costs Up Front 08:05 – The Confusing Reality of Medical Billing 10:05 – Medicare, Medicaid and Low Reimbursements 12:10 – What “Utilization Management” Really Means 13:15 – Why Older Patients Get Denied Care 15:10 – The Burden of Insurance Regulations on Doctors 17:25 – How Medical Practices Are Forced Into Bureaucracy 18:05 – Can AI Fix Healthcare Administration? 19:10 – Why Insurance Standards Make No Sense 20:00 – Electronic Records and the “Dark Ages” of Healthcare 21:45 – Bob Gatty’s Personal Experience With Orthopedic Surgery 22:10 – Is Medicare for All Realistic? 23:30 – How Healthcare Costs Are Crushing Families 24:15 – Trump and the Affordable Care Act 25:20 – Why Prescription Drug Prices Are So High 27:05 – The Five-Letter Word Driving Healthcare: “Greed” 27:40 – The Best Part of Being an Orthopedic Surgeon 29:20 – The Biggest Challenges Facing Doctors Today 30:20 – Why Independent Medical Practices Are Disappearing 31:10 – Why Dr. Urquhart Wrote Her Book 32:10 – Final Message: There Is Still Hope for Healthcare Reform 📌 America’s healthcare system is supposed to care for patients — so why do insurance companies seem to control everything? In this eye-opening conversation, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Erica Urquhart explains how prior authorizations, claim denials, hidden billing practices, and corporate greed are driving America’s healthcare crisis while patients and doctors pay the price. 💬 Have you or your family ever struggled with insurance denials, outrageous medical bills, or delays in care? Share your story in the comments. 🎧 Watch the full interview here and don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT and SUBSCRIBE to Lean to the Left for more conversations that matter. #HealthcareCrisis #HealthcareReform #InsuranceCompanies #Medicare #LeanToTheLeft

    33 min
  5. US Healthcare Crisis: Why Americans Are Sicker Despite Spending More on Healthcare

    May 3

    US Healthcare Crisis: Why Americans Are Sicker Despite Spending More on Healthcare

    US Healthcare Crisis: Why are Americans sicker—and dying younger—despite spending more on healthcare than any country in the world? In this eye-opening episode of Lean to the Left, Bob Gatty interviews physician and author Steven Bezruchka, whose new book Born Sick in the USA exposes the real reasons behind America’s declining health. 👉 It’s not just healthcare. 👉 It’s inequality. 👉 It’s early childhood conditions. 👉 It’s political choices. Bezruchka reveals: Why U.S. healthcare spending doesn’t translate into better outcomes How income inequality is literally shortening American lives Why early childhood (the first 1,000 days) determines lifelong health How U.S. policies compare to other wealthy nations Why even wealthy Americans are less healthy than their peers abroad The dangerous role of profit-driven healthcare 💡 Key takeaway: Healthcare accounts for only about 10% of what keeps us alive—the rest is driven by social and economic factors. This conversation will challenge everything you think you know about health in America. 📘 Learn more about Born Sick in the USA and how policy decisions shape your health. Here's an Amazon link for the book: https://amzn.to/4nqwYsV 👍 LIKE | 💬 COMMENT | 🔔 SUBSCRIBE Support independent media: Lean to the Left CAPTIONS: 01:12 Why US Health Lags 02:20 Measuring Health by Mortality 04:36 Inequality and Early Life 05:52 Healthcare Only 10 Percent 07:42 Health Not Individual Control 09:52 Why Politics Ignore It 11:13 Health Olympics Gap 13:05 Money in Politics 14:05 Trump Policies and Inequality 20:00 Universal Healthcare Debate 20:59 Vaccines and Personal Freedom 22:34 Pledge and Indoctrination 23:27 ER Medicine Then and Now 24:05 Billing Incentives Begin 25:06 EMRs Built to Upcode 26:43 Systems Dont Talk 27:30 Medicare Bills Confusion 29:01 Medicare Changed Money 29:54 When Care Causes Harm 32:04 Private Equity Takeover 33:54 Born Sick Explained 36:35 Where to Get Books 38:15 Healing America Channel 40:32 Healthy in Debt Social 41:30 Substack and Signoff

    43 min
  6. What If Aliens Fixed America? Sci-Fi Author Paul McGrath Takes on Guns, Militias & MAGA

    Apr 27

    What If Aliens Fixed America? Sci-Fi Author Paul McGrath Takes on Guns, Militias & MAGA

    What if aliens could fix America’s biggest problems? In this episode of Lean to the Left, host Bob Gatty conducts a fascinating interview with author Paul McGrath about his mind-bending sci-fi series Terran Incognito—including his latest book Left Is Right. McGrath uses alien characters to tackle real-world issues like: Gun violence in America Militia extremism Human trafficking Political division and MAGA influence A former journalist, McGrath explains how fiction allows him to say what he couldn’t in the newsroom—and why today’s political climate is giving him more material than ever. 👉 What happens when all civilian guns suddenly disappear? 👉 Can satire expose truths politics ignores? 👉 And what would outsiders think of America today? This is sci-fi with a purpose—and a warning. 📚 Get Paul McGrath’s book: https://amzn.to/3OqXNA5 👍 Like, share, and subscribe for more interviews and commentary on politics and social issues. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome and UFOs 01:22 Meet Paul McGrath 03:07 Origin Story Uvalde to Sci Fi 05:00 Journalism to Social Satire 07:24 Publishing Delays and Amazon 09:04 Guns Vanish What If 11:17 Human Trafficking Texas Angle 12:39 Why Left Is Right 14:45 Trump Iran and Interference 20:05 Writing Amid Trump Chaos 23:18 Misinformation MAGA and AI 24:50 Where to Buy and Wrap Up 26:11 Final Thanks and Subscribe

    27 min
  7. Is the FBI Targeting Dissent in America? Are We in a Police State?

    Apr 19

    Is the FBI Targeting Dissent in America? Are We in a Police State?

    Is the FBI being used to target political dissent in America? Is Trump creating a police state in America? In this revealing interview, retired FBI agent Eric Robinson joins Lean to the Left to expose what’s really happening inside federal law enforcement—and how political pressure may be shaping investigations. Robinson, who served 24 years in the FBI—including work tied to January 6 cases—offers a rare insider perspective on: + Trump-era directives targeting “left-wing dissent” + The truth about Antifa investigations + How FBI priorities shift under different administrations + First Amendment concerns and law enforcement limits + The reality of January 6 cases inside the Bureau + Why the Epstein case represents a major failure of justice He also shares his remarkable personal journey—from Baptist minister to FBI SWAT team member—and how his experiences reshaped his views on faith, justice, and America. This is a candid, thought-provoking conversation you won’t hear anywhere else. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:23 FBI Training Local Police 03:22 How Directives Reach Field 07:20 Two FBIs Explained 08:53 January 6 Case Fallout 10:47 Notable Cases and BLM Fraud 14:22 From Pastor to FBI 16:12 Faith Deconstruction and Family 20:45 Epstein Files and Accountability 22:23 Book Announcement and Release 26:35 Beard Rules and SWAT Story 28:04 Wrap Up and Thanks 👉 Subscribe for more interviews that focus on substance, not sensationalism.

    30 min
  8. What if Elections are Rigged Before You Even Vote?

    Apr 19

    What if Elections are Rigged Before You Even Vote?

    What if Elections are Rigged Before You Even Vote? We're not talking about Trump's actions designed to curtail voting from non-supporters or the Democrats' efforts to increase voting from their likely supporters. We're talking about the system itself. On this episode of Lean to the Left, host Bob Gatty speaks with entrepreneur and reform advocate Tom Joseph to explore a bold, outside-the-box solution that could fundamentally change how candidates are chosen—and who really holds power in our elections. It's a system intended to make the nominating process fair for all, regardless of party affiliation. Joseph introduces Wilson’s Fountain and the Main Street Party, a technology-driven initiative designed to: • Put voters—not party insiders—in control • Eliminate backroom deals in candidate selection • Challenge gerrymandering and political gridlock • Open the door to true competition in every district At the heart of his idea is a powerful concept: 👉 “The people are the whip.” Instead of politicians controlling the system, this model flips the script—giving everyday Americans the power to evaluate candidates, shape nominations, and demand accountability. But can it actually work? And more importantly… will the political establishment ever allow it? 🎧 Watch the full conversation and decide for yourself. 🔔 Subscribe & Stay Engaged 👉 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for bold conversations, political insight, and solutions that challenge the status quo. 👉 New episodes weekly. 💬 Join the Conversation Do you think the two-party system is broken? Could a system like this actually work? Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇 🔗 Learn More 🌐 Main Street Party: https://mainstreetparty.org CHAPTERS: 0:00 – Is the Two-Party System Broken? 1:12 – Meet Tom Joseph & The Big Idea 3:45 – What Is Wilson’s Fountain? 6:20 – Rethinking How Candidates Are Chosen 9:10 – “The People Are the Whip” Explained 12:05 – How the Main Street Party App Works 15:40 – Giving Voters Real Power 18:25 – The Role of Students & Tech Innovation 21:10 – Fighting Gerrymandering 24:30 – Resistance from the Political Establishment 27:15 – Can This Actually Work? 30:05 – What Happens Next? 32:10 – Final Thoughts: A New Path Forward

    20 min
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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

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