The Left Hook

Mark Bland
  • 3.4 (11)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

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. 4d ago

    Left Hook - 54- Concepts of a Payment

    Hosts Mark Bland and Jason Kull kicked off *The Left Hook* with some lighthearted baseball talk about the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals before quickly diving into politics. Their top headline was Fox News host Jesse Watters, who admitted President Trump's campaign promise of $5,000 checks for every American likely wouldn't happen. Watters infamously compared the empty promise to "a woman showing her bra" to keep a man interested, leading the hosts to call his remarks gross, misogynistic, and proof that Trump's allies assume the American people are gullible enough to fall for it. Bland and Kull ripped the check proposal as a blatantly dishonest campaign bribe, pointing out there's no way to afford roughly $1.3 trillion in payments and that Trump's claims about tariffs funding them simply don't add up. They mocked the idea that Trump could blame Congress if the money never arrived, calling the promise a desperate "Hail Mary" as his legal troubles continue to pile up. The hosts argued that openly trying to buy people's votes was dangerous for democracy, joking that if it came down to bidding, Democrats could just promise Americans $6,000 instead. Shifting to the bigger political picture, the duo expressed frustration with House Speaker Mike Johnson for sending Congress home for recess, warning lawmakers could remain out until after the midterms and leave President Trump free to run unchecked with executive orders. They stressed the importance of Democrats flipping at least one chamber to provide a necessary check on his power. After their political rant, the hosts lightened the mood with a Reddit list of "five things every American should be able to do," cracking jokes about opening beer bottles, riding mechanical bulls, and other rowdy American staples before wrapping up the show.

  2. Sep 10

    Left Hook - 53 - Where's the Beef 2026

    Mark Bland and Jason Kull open with a genuinely fun segment: Mark joined the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) and took his son to Daredevil Days at the newly rebranded Mid-America Adventure (formerly Six Flags St. Louis). Highlights included a backstage tour of Mr. Freeze, standing two feet from the track at launch speed, and a "post-touch" — feeling the coaster's vibration through the support beam. Park president Dan Snider fielded Q&A on the rebrand and ongoing DC licensing negotiations. Plus Family membership secured. Then it gets sharp. Mike Johnson went on camera calling Thomas Massie's claim that Congress would recess until after the midterms "stupid" — then did exactly that, pulling the House out two weeks early. The hosts argue the play is deliberate: run out the clock through midterms, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's until the new session starts, keeping Congress frozen while Trump governs unchecked. The suspected motive: keeping the Epstein Files Transparency Act 2 buried before November. From there: imported Argentine beef that China already rejected for antibiotic contamination, USDA gutting, soybean-bailout déjà vu, and a broader indictment — Trump has dragged the country backward while allies quietly replace us in global trade. Finally, Mark's plea to vote left-of-center in 2028 so the next president can run the "yeah, sorry about that guy" world tour.

  3. Sep 1

    The Left Hook - Lake America

    Hosts Mark Bland and Jason Kull opened their St. Louis-based show with a discussion about local news: the rebranding of Six Flags St. Louis to "Mid-America Adventure" under new parent company Enchanted Parks. The hosts covered changes to season passes, pricing, and the popular "Fright Fest" Halloween event, noting that entry will now cost extra beyond a season pass. They joked that St. Louis residents will likely keep calling it "Six Flags" regardless of the name change, comparing it to how locals still refer to the Riverport concert venue by its original name despite multiple corporate buyouts. The hosts then pivoted to sharp criticism of President Trump, using the "renaming" theme to mock reported efforts to rename bodies of water like Lake Ontario. They accused the administration of grift, questioned Trump's mental fitness and work ethic, and criticized his handling of NATO, the UN, and foreign policy—while advocating for universal healthcare. They also discussed former ICE/Border Patrol figure Greg Bovino, who claimed in a Tucker Carlson interview that the administration pulled his security detail because they wanted him dead; the hosts dismissed this, arguing he simply no longer works for Trump and faces public backlash for his controversial tenure. They further criticized adviser Natalie Harp, alleged internal White House dysfunction, and a story about Trump reportedly separating himself from his military aide on a flight. In the final segments, the hosts lightened the tone with a discussion of "rude" guest behaviors based on a HuffPost article—covering things like snooping, overstaying, and disrespecting house rules—sharing personal anecdotes. They closed by heavily criticizing Health Secretary RFK Jr., blaming him for a resurgence of measles and other previously eradicated diseases, and attacked Trump's agricultural and trade policies, arguing that tariffs and deals with countries like Argentina and China were hurting American cattle farmers. They also paid tribute to entertainers Dolly Parton and Tim Curry before signing off.

  4. Aug 26

    Left Hook - The Presidents Shadow

    On this episode of *The Left Hook*, host Mark Bland and co-host Jason Kull kick off the show by breaking down recent media controversies and political gridlock. They analyze a tense CNN panel exchange between host Abby Phillip and conservative pundit Scott Jennings, criticizing Jennings for what they see as dishonest deflections and double standards regarding Donald Trump and his controversial aide, Natalie Harp. Bland and Kull expand their political commentary to address the broader state of governance, sharply criticizing Speaker Mike Johnson and the Republican-led Congress for failing to address everyday kitchen-table issues like inflation and gas prices, while also pointing out poor conditions faced by deployed U.S. Navy sailors. Shifting gears, Mark shares details from his recent trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, sparking a passionate music discussion with Jason. Both hosts argue that rock pioneer Chuck Berry—the "Godfather of Rock and Roll"—deserves much more prominent recognition and museum space than he is given, especially when compared to figures like Elvis Presley. Their conversation wanders through various exhibits, from Paul McCartney and Wings to the "Queens of Punk," as well as iconic memorabilia from artists like Michael Jackson and Kurt Cobain, with both hosts sharing their appreciation for classic rock, vintage formats like 8-track tapes, and upcoming live tours. In the final portion of the broadcast, the hosts briefly critique Trump's focus on vanity construction projects and the consumer impact of tariffs before transitioning into a humorous segment on modern concert culture. Reviewing a bit by comedian Dan Reagan, Mark and Jason discuss what it would take to lure Gen Xers back to live shows, advocating for practical perks such as physical souvenir tickets, free parking, actual chairs, cleaner restrooms, and fines for bands that start late. Bland and Kull close out the episode by urging their audience to stay informed, fact-check the news, and vote for accountable leadership in upcoming elections.

  5. Aug 18

    The Left Hook - The Same Page

    In this episode of The Left Hook, host Mark Bland—a self-described liberal broadcasting on Fox-affiliated stations—is joined by guest co-host Andy Echele, a conservative-leaning friend and veteran. After an extended discussion about Bland's family trip to Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio (where he was sent to a "quiet room" after complaining about outdated bathrooms at a park making $1-2 million per day), and a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the conversation turns to politics. Bland asks Eccle to assess Trump's presidency, and Eccle rates him a 7 out of 10, saying he's "better than Biden" but "not the best by any means." Eccle advocates for an isolationist foreign policy—pulling back foreign aid, stopping the "big brother" role abroad, and reinvesting domestically in education and healthcare—while acknowledging the U.S. has the world's greatest military due to outsized defense spending. The central political debate centers on a Trump audio clip in which the president dismisses concerns about affordability, calling Democrats "con men" and telling the press he doesn't "want to hear about the affordability." Both Bland and Eccle push back on this stance—Eccle, a single man spending over $275 monthly on groceries alone, agrees affordability matters deeply regardless of party. Bland argues that Trump's dismissiveness on kitchen-table economic issues could hurt down-ballot Republicans in future elections, potentially costing them the House and Senate. The two find common ground that no president should tell Americans they don't want to hear about saving money, illustrating the show's cross-partisan format where a liberal host and conservative guest can agree on pocketbook issues even while disagreeing on broader presidential performance.

  6. Aug 7

    Left Hook - The Fauci Diaries

    On The Left Hook, hosts Mark Bland and Jason Kull deliver an irreverent, left-leaning roundup of the week's political news. They focus heavily on Dr. Anthony Fauci's congressional appearance, arguing that Republican questioning was largely performative and politically motivated, while criticizing efforts to blame Fauci for COVID-era policies. The hosts also connect the hearing to broader concerns about the Epstein files, presidential pardons, and what they describe as Donald Trump's pattern of self-promotion, legal maneuvering, and misinformation. The discussion expands to Trump's approval ratings, tariffs, immigration rhetoric, government surveillance technology, and the influence of companies such as Palantir. Bland and Cole warn about expanding license-plate tracking and data collection, criticize what they see as hypocrisy around "socialism" and government involvement in private business, and argue that the administration has failed to deliver on promises to reduce costs. The episode closes with lighter conversation about AI, quietly profitable businesses, books, and a true-crime documentary before the hosts again call for Trump to leave office.

  7. Jul 30

    The Left Hook - Pinky Herman

    On this episode of *The Left Hook*, hosts Mark Bland and Jason Kulldeliver a punchy, unfiltered look at the political landscape on July 25, 2026. The duo tackles the mysterious silence surrounding Mitch McConnell's health, urging Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to bypass the courts and appoint a replacement immediately. They pull no punches in their critique of Donald Trump's administration—taking aim at Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, Jim Jordan's crusade against former Special Counsel Jack Smith, and what they describe as a relentless cycle of political distractions. Shifting focus to their home state, the hosts slam Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe for undermining the voter-approved Amendment 3 on abortion rights and urge listeners to vote "No" on upcoming tax amendments in the August primary. Rounding out the show, they debate the financial efficiency of the death penalty and laugh off YouTuber Jake Paul's delusional claims of NFL interest, offering a jam-packed hour of bold commentary.

  8. Jul 22

    The Left Hook - Cart Blanche

    On this week's Left Hook, Mark and Jason Kull bring their signature moderate-liberal perspective to you — and they've got plenty to say. Todd Blanch's Senate Testimony: The hosts break down the awkward exchange between Senator Kennedy and Trump's former criminal defense attorney-turned-Deputy Attorney General, questioning whether the nation's top legal office has become the president's personal legal shield. The Epstein Files Fallout: J.D. Vance admits on Joe Rogan that the administration "screwed up the comms" on the Epstein files release. Mark and Jason dig into why Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, and others held a war room meeting to strategize their response — and why thousands of hours of video remain unreleased. Election Fraud Claims: Featuring audio from Rep. Thomas Massie, who pointedly asks: if Republicans won the House, Senate, and White House, where exactly is the fraud? The hosts unpack Trump's continued fixation on 2020 — the only election year his own administration oversaw. Truth Social's Wall Street Play: Trump's media company announces it will sell millisecond-level early access to his posts starting August 1st — giving institutional traders a head start on market-moving policy announcements. The hosts call it what they see: monetized corruption. National Security Memo Concerns: Discussion of NSPM-7 and its implications for labeling political dissenters as domestic threats. Plus: Wild conspiracy theories about UFOs as election cover, mall nostalgia (Aladdin's Castle arcade, Hickory Farms beef sticks, and the day Mortal Kombat changed everything), and two hilariously unhinged "Missed Connections" readings — including a chubby guy's 14,000-replay fantasy and a divorced bird enthusiast pursuing a firefighter.

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Ratings & Reviews

3.4
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Bland
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    498
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Left Hook

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