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Progressive Voices

Progressive Voiceswww.progressivevoices.com
The best progressive talk right here, on demand. Always Progressive, Always On!
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Episodes

This Gay Week: Hungary Pushes Forward on LGBTQ Rights While America Moves Backward

Is Europe becoming more accepting while America becomes more divided? 26-74 This week on The Karel Show, Karel is joined live from Ukraine by journalist Scott Jacobson to break down the biggest LGBTQ stories happening around the world—and the contrast between progress abroad and culture wars in the United States is impossible to ignore. In this episode: * 🇭🇺 Hungary voters overwhelmingly support LGBTQ protections — will the government listen? * 🇮🇪 Northern Ireland confronts the truth about h...

May 08, 202641 min

Will Iran, Inflation & Extreme Heat Destroy Summer 2026? | America’s New Travel Crisis

Will Iran, Inflation & Extreme Heat Destroy Summer 2026? | America’s New Travel Crisis Summer 2026 is almost here… but instead of vacations, road trips, and backyard BBQs, Americans are facing soaring gas prices, expensive hotels, dangerous heat, and growing anxiety about travel. Is the Iran conflict about to ruin summer for millions of people? In this episode of The Karel Show, Karel breaks down: * How rising oil prices tied to Iran are impacting summer travel * Why many Americans may skip ...

May 07, 20261 hr

Code Wack - UnitedHealth’s Dangerous Takeover of U.S. Health Care

This time on CodeWACK! What if the rising cost of health care — the surprise bills, the shrinking choices, the long waits — weren’t random at all, but largely the result of quiet, strategic consolidation happening behind the scenes? The Center for Health & Democracy has been working to reveal just this. Founded by former insurance executive-turned-whistleblower Wendell Potter, the organization shines a light on how corporate power shapes the American health care system — and what it means fo...

May 06, 202610 min

Are We Living in a Real-Life Hunger Games? Wealth, Power & The American Divide

Are We Living in a Real-Life Hunger Games? Wealth, Power & The American Divide Are we watching a dystopia unfold in real time? As celebrities walk the Met Gala runway in gowns worth more than most Americans make in a year, millions are cutting back on groceries, gas, and basic necessities. Nearly 90%+ of Americans aren’t millionaires—and they’re feeling it every single day. In this episode of The Karel Show, Karel breaks down: * The growing wealth gap in America * Why the Met Gala feels like...

May 05, 20261 hr

The Retirement Crisis No One in Media Lives | Why America Needs “Poor Folks News” NOW

The Retirement Crisis No One in Media Lives | Why America Needs “Poor Folks News” NOW Why does the media act surprised that Americans are struggling… when millions are living it every day? A new headline claims Americans feel “bleak” about their finances—but for most people making under $100K, that’s not news. That’s reality. In this episode of The Karel Show, Karel breaks down: * The real retirement crisis facing Americans over 50 * Why most people are not financially prepared—and know it * How...

May 04, 20261 hr 5 min

Leslie Marshall Show - Buyer’s Remorse: Are Young Voters Leaving MAGA?

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Carlos Calzadilla-Palacio, founder of the Disrupt political PAC, about a potential shift in the youth vote and what it could mean for upcoming elections. Carlos argues that many young voters who supported Donald Trump in 2024 are beginning to rethink that decision, pointing to broken promises on issues like student debt, the economy, and foreign policy. He explains how those policy changes are affecting young Americans in real, everyday ways—and why frustratio...

May 03, 202621 min

Brookfield Zoo Workers in Chicago Fight for Fair Pay—and Animal Safety

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Andy Ferris, a longtime animal care specialist at Brookfield Zoo and a member of the Teamsters 727 bargaining committee, about an ongoing labor dispute that could lead to a strike. Andy shares what’s happening behind the scenes as workers negotiate with the Chicago Zoological Society over staffing levels, safety concerns, wages, and health care. Despite decades of service, many workers are being asked to accept minimal raises while facing rising costs—and pote...

May 03, 202623 min

Is the Era of the “Bad Boss” Over? Gen Z, Media Shakeups & Power Shifts Explained

Is the Era of the “Bad Boss” Over? Gen Z, Media Shakeups & Power Shifts Explained The “boss from hell” is back—at least on screen. With the return of The Devil Wears Prada, the iconic Miranda Priestly reminds us of a workplace era defined by fear, control, and impossible expectations. But in 2026… does that kind of leadership still survive? In this episode of The Karel Show, we break down: * Whether toxic bosses are finally being pushed out * How Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping workplace...

Apr 30, 20261 hr 5 min

“Let Them Eat Cake?” Trump, Power, and Who Really Pays | The Karel Show

“Let Them Eat Cake?” Trump, Power, and Who Really Pays | The Karel Show Is America entering a “let them eat cake” moment? While millions struggle with rising costs, political leaders and wealthy elites appear more disconnected than ever. In this episode of The Karel Show, Karel breaks down the growing perception that power and privilege are taking priority over everyday Americans—and why that narrative is gaining traction. We look at: * The debate over political spending and priorities * Whether...

Apr 29, 202659 min

Code Wack - Why the Same Drug Costs 3x More (And Who Decides)

This time on CodeWACK! Imagine two patients … same diagnosis, same medication, same country. Each one needs the same prescription. One gets their care through the Department of Veterans Affairs, the other gets it through Medicare. The price of the exact same drug could be half as much for one patient as for the other. That's not a glitch. It's how the system is designed. Our guest is Bob Coleman, a retired healthcare professional who spent more than 40 years serving veterans through the U.S. Dep...

Apr 29, 202611 min

Democrats Need a Vision: What Do They Actually Stand For? | Strategy, Midterms & Culture Wars

Democrats Need a Vision: What Do They Actually Stand For? | Strategy, Midterms & Culture Wars If Democrats want to win the midterms—and 2028—they need more than opposition. They need a clear, bold vision. Right now, voters know what Democrats are against. But what are they for? That’s the question shaping elections—and possibly the future of the country. In this episode of The Karel Show, we break down: * Why messaging matters more than ever * How a lack of clear priorities cost elections be...

Apr 28, 20261 hr

Political Violence in the Age of Trump; Americans Want Iran War Ended as it Crushes the Economy

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by Sarah Jones, Editor-in-Chief for PoliticusUSA. First, in the wake of the assassination attempt on the President this past weekend, Brad and Sa...

Apr 28, 202642 min

Ballroom Blitz: Distraction or Coincidence? Why This Political Chaos Feels Scripted

Ballroom Blitz: Distraction or Coincidence? Why This Political Chaos Feels Scripted Was it chaos—or calculated? Just as pressure mounts politically, another shocking moment takes over the headlines. Coincidence… or something more strategic? In this episode of The Karel Show, we break down the timing, the media response, and why events like this instantly dominate the narrative. The White House Correspondents’ Dinner turns into what can only be described as a “Ballroom Blitz”—and suddenly, the co...

Apr 27, 20261 hr

Leslie Marshall Show - Worker Safety at Risk: What’s Changed and What’s at Stake

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Tom Duffy of the United Steelworkers about the urgent state of workplace safety in America ahead of Workers Memorial Day. They begin by reflecting on the meaning of the day, which honors workers who have been killed, injured, or made sick on the job—and why those risks remain a serious concern today. Tom shares insight from decades of experience investigating workplace incidents and advocating for stronger protections. The conversation then turns to recent pol...

Apr 25, 202642 min

Michael Jackson’s Legacy Explodes Again—Why Won’t We Let Him Rest?

Michael Jackson’s Legacy Explodes Again—Why Won’t We Let Him Rest? A new Michael Jackson biopic is reigniting one of the most controversial debates in pop culture: how should we remember the King of Pop? Despite being acquitted in court, allegations continue to resurface—fueling media cycles, documentaries, and public opinion battles that refuse to die. So why does Michael Jackson remain under scrutiny decades later? Is it about race, fame, money—or something deeper in how we treat icons? Today,...

Apr 23, 20261 hr
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