In this week's episode, we dive deep into the world of narrative storytelling and spectacular political incompetence. What happens when an entire administration accidentally texts its top-secret military plans to a reporter? Welcome to the "Idiot Plot," a storytelling concept in which the entire plot is driven by everyone involved being profoundly stupid. We'll break down the Trump administration's Signal app security disaster, take a deep dive into Glenn Greenwald's media metamorphosis, and ser...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 886
In this fiery episode, we turn the tables on the right-wing outrage machine by exploring what actual cancel culture looks like under the current administration. We dive into the Pentagon's removal of webpages about minorities who served in the military, including Ira Hayes, the Native American Marine who helped raise the flag at Iwo Jima. We play a game of "Do You Remember?" highlighting the hypocrisy of those who decried "cancel culture" just a few years ago but are now actively erasing history...
Mar 20, 2025•43 min•Ep. 885
Happy 20th Blogiversary to Driftglass! We celebrate by bringing on board a new fake sponsor. Cryptocurrency that is modeled on our chatty, slightly annoying cat, Bosco. $Bosco will make all your dreams come true! Glitter paws and crypto minds $Bosco’s here leaving doubts behind Cash your dreams in feline flair $Bosco Coin taking you everywhere!!! [Chorus] $Bosco Coin boogie, let’s ignite Dancing through the blockchain night Purrs of fortune in the air $Bosco’s groove is beyond compare!!! We also...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 884
We're back with a fresh episode exploring what we call the media's "favorite drug" - their addiction to centrism and both-siderism! We'll take you behind the scenes of Chuck Todd's bitter departure from NBC, examine the rehabilitation tour of certain political figures, and discuss why MSNBC is hemorrhaging viewers. Plus, we'll dive into some troubling developments in the early months of Trump's second administration and share our thoughts on politicians desperately courting that mythical "middle...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 883
We're back with our latest episode, examining how the rope of crony corruption binds our politics asymmetrically - a pattern we've been observing for over twenty years in American politics and media. The heart of our conversation explores how right-wing media continues to dominate local airwaves while progressive voices face constant scrutiny and advertising challenges. I'll take you back to 2005 to show how little has changed - or how much worse it's gotten. In other news, FAFO hits federal wor...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 882
In this episode of The Professional Left Podcast for March 6, 2025, driftglass and I dive into several breaking news stories that have us asking "Are you KIDDING?" Elon Musk's government email address Peter Navarro's outlandish claim about Canada President Diarrhea Mouth can’t help leaving a huge door open for those suing to stop DOGE Republican senators secured a special hotline from Musk. Missouri Republicans propose 100% tax credits for you’ll never guess And Driftglass makes an insightful co...
Mar 07, 2025•56 min•Ep. 881
In our latest episode, we dissect how prominent news outlets like the Associated Press are sanitizing Trump's increasingly unhinged behavior, literally editing out his most bizarre moments from official transcripts. From the shocking Oval Office encounter with Zelensky to the ongoing media capitulation, we show how journalism is failing in real time. We explore the deep shame many Americans feel as our country becomes increasingly aligned with authoritarian regimes, sharing insights from unexpec...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 880
In this episode of The Professional Left Podcast, we dive into the Trump administration's continuing assault on American democracy and institutions. We start with our "News Roundup," covering the DOGE cuts, government firings, and acts of resistance within federal agencies. We also discuss Trump's controversial "Gold Card" citizenship program, the shocking U.S. vote against a U.N. resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the purge of top military leadership, and the numerous legal cha...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 879
Sorry folks, DG is getting over a sniffle and is coughing too much to podcast today. See you Thursday! Support the show
Feb 25, 2025•54 sec
Episode 878 of The Professional Left Podcast examines how the Republican party built a "democracy-destroying machine" over 50 years, and why attempts by Never Trumpers to reform it from within consistently fail. The hosts analyze a recent Bari Weiss column as a case study of how conservative critics must attack Democrats and marginalized groups to establish credibility with the MAGA base. They discuss recent developments including Trump's attacks on Zelenskyy, Nikki Haley's "evolving" (revolving...
Feb 21, 2025•54 min•Ep. 878
It's time to explore "Resistance Theater" through two powerful World War II-era films: "Passage to Marseilles" (1944) and "Pimpernel Smith" (1941). These classic propaganda films draw fascinating parallels to current events, and it's worth examining how MAGA forces are attempting to erase and rewrite history through modern tactics. From book banning at military bases to corporate attempts to appease Trump, this episode analyzes how resistance to fascism remains relevant today. The episode includ...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 877
Content warning: Contains strong language and adult themes. Not safe for work or children. In this spicy episode, Blue Gal and Driftglass explore the history and strategic importance of profanity in political discourse. They particularly focus on how the mainstream media's obsession with "civility" has been weaponized against progressives. They trace this phenomenon from David Broder's pearl-clutching about "vituperative" liberal bloggers to today's both-sides coverage of Trump's attacks on the ...
Feb 14, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 876
In this episode of The Professional Left Podcast, hosts Blue Gal and Driftglass discuss the impact of Trump's recent federal funding freeze on American farmers, particularly those who supported him in the 2024 election. They examine multiple news reports from across the country showing how farmers are facing financial hardship after Trump halted various USDA programs, including conservation projects and foreign food aid initiatives. The hosts analyze the viral story of Skylar Holden, a young Tru...
Feb 12, 2025•58 min•Ep. 875
The Professional Left Podcast #874: Federal jobs and local economies are in chaos as Trump and Musk wreak havoc at USAID and beyond. Driftglass and Blue Gal break down how Republican propaganda keeps winning despite their awful job creation record, and why some Never Trumpers can't quit bashing Democrats. The hosts dig into research showing Dems are way better at creating jobs (shocking, right?), while Republicans excel at... lying about it. From Trump's whiplash-inducing tariff decisions to his...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 874
An exploration of how the “DEI madness” conspiracy is really just the GOP’s latest excuse to scapegoat diversity while distracting from their own failures. In this week's Professional Left Podcast , Driftglass and Blue Gal dive into the aftermath of a tragic midair collision over Washington, D.C., and the farcical responses from Trump’s administration. From blaming DEI hires to pointing fingers at everyone but himself, the fallout from the crash reveals the dangerous incompetence of Sean Duffy, ...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 873
In this episode, Driftglass and Blue Gal tackle claims that "the resistance is over" by drawing powerful parallels between current "resistance fatigue" narratives and similar premature declarations during the Bush era. They discuss Paul Krugman's revelatory piece about his departure from The New York Times, explore the real-world evidence of continued grassroots resistance, and explain why simplistic "everything button" solutions to defeating fascism don't exist. We also cover the latest develop...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 872
Three badass women—Jasmine Crockett, AOC, and Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde—speak truth to power. Then we're on to Trump's unconscionable January 6th pardons, dissecting the psychology of "I'm, an independent!" voters and marveling at the mind-bending mental gymnastics of the MAGA world. From there, to media cowardice and Project 2025 nightmares. Big love to our ride-or-die listeners who keep this podcast alive through your support. Your monthly Patreon pledges and virtual espresso shots fuel our s...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 871
Tune in Wednesday 1/22-- we're on the Bob Cesca Show and Driftglass will be on the BradCast! And we'll have more politics on Thursday, not that this show isn't political! A dive into propaganda in science fiction, particularly those instances where aliens take over the world to the advantage of the privileged. What? Links for this episode: Ray Nelson, "Eight O'Clock In the Morning" available via the Internet Archive (free registration required) https://archive.org/details/sciencefictioncl0000uns...
Jan 22, 2025•34 min•Ep. 870
We all know something has died. It's time for a wake, and then... onward toward life. More at proleftpod.com Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance. Podcast artwork by Driftglass. Support the podcast at proleftpod.com or become a patron at patreon.com/proleftpod. Write us via the USPS! The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield IL 62791 Support the show...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 869
Have you noticed that truly independent liberal blogs have maintained their integrity while other "upstart" media ventures often drift toward centrism and "both-sides" reporting? We have! In this week's episode, Driftglass and Blue Gal examine the current media landscape and the rise of self-proclaimed "contrarian" outlets. They also examine The Contrarian, a new media venture launched by Jennifer Rubin and Norm Eisen. Also: President Biden's historic job creation record, Pete Hegseth's absurd c...
Jan 15, 2025•59 min•Ep. 868
It's been fifteen YEARS of podcasting at The Professional Left! Our hearts go out to the victims of the Palisades fire. Why can't we talk to conservatives not to inform or persuade or even get them to accept reality? Sad! A history. Ahem. More at proleftpod.com . Blue Gal's knitting podcast! https://www.youtube.com/@flangum Our podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessionalLeft Support the show: PayPal | https://paypal.me/proleftpodcast Patreon | https://patreon.com/proleftpod Do...
Jan 10, 2025•53 min•Ep. 867
Recorded January 7, 2025 We discuss how mainstream media continues to normalize extremism while Vice President Harris certifies her own election loss. How the media landscape is shifting in concerning ways, from the Washington Post's 'troubles' to Meta's new MAGA-friendly policies. The contrast between VP Harris's honorable certification of results versus the events of January 6th, 2021 Historical parallels: Rush Limbaugh's "rooting for failure" approach during Obama's presidency Major changes a...
Jan 08, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 866
It's our final episode of 2024 and the 100th episode of the year!!! January 2025 marks our 15th anniversary of podcasting! (We're off on Thursday and will return to regular podcasting on Tuesday, January 7.) This episode pays tribute to the late President Jimmy Carter. It includes a deep dive into Hunter S. Thompson's 1974 account of Carter's influential Law Day speech in Georgia. And we heap some love on JB Pritzker, as our governor stands up for the healthcare rights of pregnant women. More at...
Jan 01, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 865
Elon Musk is running the country now, so we've got THAT going for us. Driftglass suggests, only a little tongue in cheek, that farmers (who voted for Trump in the 75-80% range) should bear the brunt of whatever the Musk/Trump administration will do. Blue Gal can't wait for the Matt Gaetz Ethics Committee Report, and DG reads a time travel story from Mike Royko. More at proleftpod.com . YouTube and Avatar artwork by Fran/Bluegal Blue Gal's knitting podcast! https://www.youtube.com/@flangum Our po...
Dec 19, 2024•42 min•Ep. 864
Aww, nobody wants the "head up the Washington Post" job? In other news: Trump's potential betrayal of rural supporters through proposed policies on tariffs, immigration, and healthcare Trump's past false claims about COVID-19 and inflation ABC News settling a $15 million defamation lawsuit with Trump Media's capitulation to Trump and conservative narratives, same as ever Trump allies suggesting radical ideas like a potential third-term The collapse of "The Biden Crime Family" lie AOC loses the H...
Dec 18, 2024•58 min•Ep. 863
Our "hot take"? The CEO shooting reminds us of... Sandy Hook and Uvalde. Driftglass reads his classic tale "Little Red State Fundy" and we have given up MSNBC, all of it, for one big reason. More at proleftpod.com . YouTube and Avatar artwork via Bing.AI. Blue Gal's knitting podcast! https://www.youtube.com/@flangum Our podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessionalLeft Support the show: PayPal | https://paypal.me/proleftpodcast Patreon | https://patreon.com/proleftpod Do you wan...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 862
Surprise! They're Trump voters! It's amazing how many "low information" (they're not) voters "do their own research." LINKS for this episode: No More Mister Nice Blog: "Members of the latest times focus group voted for a parallel-universe Trump". https://nomoremister.blogspot.com/2024/12/members-of-latest-times-focus-group.html George Carlin, 'Soft Language': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h67k9eEw9AY YouTube and Avatar artwork via Bing.AI. Blue Gal's knitting podcast! https://www.youtube.com/@...
Dec 11, 2024•44 min•Ep. 861
We issue a correction to episode 859... Support the show
Dec 08, 2024•2 min•Ep. 860
Correction to Tuesday's episode on pardons: Contrary to the false information we repeated in episode 858, George HW Bush did NOT pardon his son, Neil. We regret the error. We got a letter we had to share. The latest Morning Joe quarrel wasn't about Trump after all. And Driftglass reads Royko. We were also on The Bob Cesca Show this week. Tune in here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/driftglass-and-blue-gal/id380996798?i=1000679262247 More at proleftpod.com. Trigger warning: During the news...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 859
CORRECTION: Contrary to the false information we repeated in this episode, George HW Bush did NOT pardon his son, Neil. We regret the error. The Hunter Biden Pardon in the historical context of presidents pardoning family members and nobody remembering that they did that. And Driftglass reads "To The Chicago Abyss" by Ray Bradbury (1963). More at proleftpod.com . Blue Gal's knitting podcast! https://www.youtube.com/@flangum Our podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessionalLeft S...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 858
