The Professional Left Podcast with Driftglass and Blue Gal

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 press.The hosts examine how the media rushed to defend Fox News when Obama questioned their legitimacy while remaining largely silent as Trump systematically excluded mainstream outlets from coverage. They also cover significant developments, including Trump's lawsuit against CBS, mass firings of inspectors general, devastating proposed Medicaid cuts, and Elon Musk's expanding influence over federal agencies.The Professional Left is recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance. You can  support the podcast at proleftpod.com.Support the show

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 Trump-supporting cattle farmer whose TikTok video about potentially losing his farm garnered significant attention, along with the measured response from veteran farmer Will Westmoreland. They explore the broader themes of accountability, political narratives, and the persistent "both sides" rhetoric that enables voters to avoid confronting the consequences of their choices.The episode concludes with an extensive news roundup covering recent actions by the Trump administration, including changes to military academy oversight, foreign policy decisions, and various executive orders. The hosts also discuss local politics in Illinois and share ways listeners can take action through initiatives like the 5 Calls app and postcard writing campaigns.Episode artwork by Bluegal with an assist from StableDiffusionWeb.comSubscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and check out proleftpod.com for more info and ways to contribute.Become a Patreon at patreon.com/proleftpodRecorded February 11, 2025. It's not safe for work, but it is safe for democracy.Support the showContent warning: Not safe for work.Support the show

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 sketchy State Department picks, and from NASA scrubbing diversity mentions to protests at USAID - it's been quite a week at the Cornfield Resistance.Links for this episode: Pew Research on jobs:  https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/01/07/what-the-data-says-about-federal-workers/Driftglass and Digby on the Bradcast 2/5/2025  https://bradblog.com/?p=15297Driftglass and Blue Gal on The Cliff Schecter Show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tb0TkDaY3M Episode artwork by BluegalSubscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts or check out proleftpod.com for more info and ways to contribute.Recorded February 6, 2025. It's not safe for work, but it is safe for democracy.Support the show

The hosts dive into the GOP's use of 'DEI madness' as a distraction from their failures, critiquing Trump’s administration's chaotic response to a tragic midair collision. They explore the stark differences in leadership styles between Republicans and Democrats, particularly the effective actions by governors. The discussion reveals the complexities of voting against one’s self-interest, especially highlighted by a Trump voter's reliance on food stamps. The episode also features a delightful distraction with an internet kitty, bringing humor amidst serious discussions.

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 developments in the Trump "administration."Special announcement: Instead of our regular Thursday show, catch the hosts live on the Cliff Schecter show this Thursday, and on Progress Pondcast with Martin Longman and Brendan Skwire early next week. Note: This episode contains adult language and is not safe for work.More at proleftpod.com Link for this episode:  Paul Krugman, "Departing The New York Times" https://contrarian.substack.com/p/departing-the-new-york-times Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance.  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 62791Cover artwork by bluegal.bsky.social/BingAI  Support the show

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 show. And spreading the word also helps us keep fighting the good fight.Not safe for work. Buckle up.LINKS: DG and BG on The Bob Cesca Show: https://www.bobcesca.com/the-bob-cesca-interview-driftglass-and-bluegal-day/  Driftglass on The BradCast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bradcast-1-22-2025-guests-heather-digby-parton-of/id803467610?i=1000685101556More at proleftpod.com Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance.  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 62791Cover artwork via Unsplash/Nathan Dumlao.  Support the show

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/sciencefictioncl0000unse_z5i2Images of Arthur C. Clarke's "I Remember Babylon" https://imgur.com/gallery/i-remember-babylon-by-arthur-c-clark-2BX7I6RRecorded live from the Cornfield Resistance.  Podcast artwork by Frances Langum via BingAI.  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

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 62791Support the show

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 confirmation hearing, and Special Counsel Jack Smith's final report. Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance.  Podcast artwork by Bluegal via Bing AI. Support the podcast at proleftpod.com or become a patron at patreon.com/proleftpod. Support the show

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/@flangumOur podcast YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessionalLeftSupport the show:PayPal |  https://paypal.me/proleftpodcastPatreon | https://patreon.com/proleftpodDo you want to send us a Happy New Year card and/or contribution by mail?  We love getting mail!The Professional Left PodcastPO Box 9133 Springfield, IL 62791Support the show