Left Reckoning

Tackling the U.S. military's recent strike on a Venezuelan drug boat, the hosts explore the murky waters of government propaganda. They question the official narrative and its role in distracting from domestic issues. Additionally, a deep dive into the complexities of government secrecy reveals the emotional struggles of victims seeking justice in the Epstein case. This segment critiques the contradictions in transparency under the Trump administration, showing how often military actions serve to shift public focus from pressing political challenges.

In this engaging discussion, comedian Brian Vokey shares insights into the comedy industry and critiques Joe Rogan's influence on political discourse. Joining him is Kevin Levangie, a Canadian postal worker and union advocate, who highlights the role of grassroots organizing in supporting Palestinian rights. They explore the power of labor movements in fostering international solidarity and the challenges facing comedians as they navigate comedy's intersection with politics. Together, they reflect on the evolving landscape of activism and the importance of collective action.

get this full Sunday Show and all previous and future ones by becoming a supporting member at patreon.com/leftreckoningDavid and Matt react to the fallout from Taylor Lorenz's Wired article about the dark money subsidization of DNC democrat media.https://www.wired.com/story/dark-money-group-secret-funding-democrat-influencers/

Apologies for the mix-up with the previous upload! LEFT RECKONING 235!!David speaks with Pelle Dragsted (@pelledragsted), a democratic socialist member of the Danish Parliament and leader of the Enhedslisten—the Red-Green Alliance—about his recently translated book, Nordic Socialism. They talk about what the Nordic countries have accomplished, the pitfalls of social democracy, and what is needed to fight for a better future. Find Nordic Socialism here: https://uwpress.wisc.edu/Books/N/Nordic-SocialismThen David speaks with Alexander Lemons, co-author of "Warbodies: A Marine Sniper and the Hidden Violence of Modern Warfare," to talk about the US military makes 'warbodies.'Pick Up Warbody here: https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324066330Read Alexander's piece in High Country News:https://www.hcn.org/issues/57-2/a-veteran-transforms-a-legacy-of-violence-into-a-campaign-for-restoration/------------------------------------------Show notes: 00:00 Start 1:40 Intro 9:01 Nordic Socialism w/ Pelle Dragsted42:00 Warbody w/ Alexander Lemons

Hope that you enjoy this public version of the LR postgame. Catch it every week at patreon.com/leftreckoning

👉 Join us on Patreon for full access to bonus episodes and behind-the-scenes debriefs: https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoningMatt & Dave are back with a big one. We are joined by Kelsea Bond, who is running for city council in Atlanta. Kelsea explains how socialism can win in the South and the importance of being well-versed in a tradition. Then we are joined by two recently elected members of DSA National Political Committee, Ella Teevan (@EllaTeevan) and Cerena Ermitanio (@kasamangcerena) to talk about what is next for the largest socialist organization in the US.Learn more about Kelsea's campaign in Atlanta: https://kelseabond.com/David and Matt also talk about the return of the Texas democrats and the redistricting fight, and lessons from Bolivia's historic loss for the left, with MAS for the first time being out of government.

Tonight on Left Reckoning: We’re joined by journalist Seth Harp @sethharp to discuss his explosive new book, "The Fort Bragg Cartel" — out today — exposing the “Fort Bragg Cartel” and uncovering the U.S. military’s hidden role in the global drug trade. From the battlefields abroad to the violence coming home, Harp’s investigation lays bare the shadowy side of American imperialism.📖 Get Seth Harp’s new book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/730414/the-fort-bragg-cartel-by-seth-harp/We also bring you coverage from the DSA National Convention, including our conversation with Neal Meyer (@nealmeyer) and a live response from Olivia Katbi @oliviakatbi on the DSA convention, BDS, and the fight for a free Palestine, plus respond to recent bizarre allegations from the NY Post.Follow & Support Left Reckoning:💖 Patreon: patreon.com/leftreckoning🎧 Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xzcRxgBjKKSigBt11IytK & https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/left-reckoning/id1553413866Pickup Left Reckoning MERCH: Leftreckoning.com/store📱 Twitter: @davidgriscom @mattlech @leftreckoning

Trump's trying to hide how bad this economy is as more and more people struggle to get by. Plus, in Texas GOP reps are hard at work trying to rig the upcoming midterm elections. In a last ditch effort to stop it Texas Dems have fled the state, will it work?Then Kylie Cheung (@kylietcheung) joins us to talk about her new book, Coercion, which documents the fight for autonomy and the attempt by the Right to control women and their bodies. Pick up Kylie's book here: https://www.plutobooks.com/9780745350615/coercion/👉 Join us on Patreon for full access to bonus episodes and behind-the-scenes debriefs: https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning

Get the postgame and Sunday Shows at patreon.com/leftreckoningNeal Meyer of Left Notes joins David and Matt to discuss this piece on Democratic Socialism, Social Democracy, and Communism: https://www.left-notes.com/p/a-typology-of-socialisms-in-the-21stAlso, Tlaib takes a shot across the bow about supporting Israel with "defensive weapons."

Matt & Dave are at it again, talking about Gaza and AOC. Plus we're joined by Slate journalist Alexander Sammon to talk about the Roosevelt Hotel, that housed thousands of migrants and was also the subject of many RW conspiracy theories. What lessons can we take from its closing?https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2025/07/donald-trump-immigrants-new-york-city-conspiracy.htmlSupport the show and get access to the postgame:🌹 https://patreon.com/leftreckoning