Before 2011, Rick Pullen's career was all journalism: investigative reporter for different newspapers and later inventive magazine editor. The two roles in the same business exposed his two sides: he thrives on the thrill of an investigation, and he has a creative curiosity for design and writing he has never tamed. 

In 2011 he merged the two and started writing fiction. In 2016 he published his bestselling political thriller, NAKED AMBITION.

THE APPRENTICE, a serial with novice reporter Tish Woodward, was published in December 2017. 

NAKED TRUTH, a sequel to NAKED AMBITION, followed in September 2018. NAKED TRUTH is another thriller with newspaper reporter Beck Rikki again on the trail.

In this fascinating conversation, Rick shares insight into what it took to produce and successfully publish these novels and many of the challenges that he confronted and successfully managed along the way.

Take a listen.

Conversation with Best Selling Political Thriller Author Rick Pullen

Hey guys, thanks for checking in on the NFN Radio News podcast, brought to you by Not Fake News.biz. I’m Bob Gatty, editor and publisher of Not Fake News. 

What is an "angry mob?" It depends upon whose version of the truth you accept: 
Donald Trump's and his enablers', or those who understand the facts.

In just the past year, let alone the totality of the Trump administration, we’ve had all too many examples of angry mobs acting and reacting to events, not the least of which was the January 6th attack on the Capitol as Trump supporters protested Joe Biden’s election.

Perhaps these actions by angry mobs are simply a symptom of our broken nation. Consider that we had a brutal murder play out on camera in front of millions of viewers, but the perp could go free. And, we had an election where losers are now trying to fix future elections. 

In this podcast, I’ll present two blogs by C.J. Waldron on Not Fake News.biz. First, will be “The Angry Mob,” followed by “Our Broken America”.

So take a listen … from Not Fake News.biz.

The Angry Mob

R&B and Blues piano player Daryl Davis, in an incredible interview with the Tempo and the Times podcast, tells the story of his career, which has included gigs with Chuck Berry and other famed jazz and blues musicians, while confronting blatant racism and even "infiltrating the Ku Klux Klan.

During his long career as a musician since graduating from Howard University with a degree in jazz, Davis went from tires being slashed outside a venue in Maryland because of his race to influencing a top leader in the KKK to leave the organization -- and give him his robe.

That's the part of the story that we present in today's episode of Tempo and the Times. It's a fascinating tale of courage and determination to do what's right.

Piano Man Daryl Davis and the KKK -- Part 2

Hey guys, thanks for joining us on the NFN Radio News podcast.

Today, an old friend of mine, Brad Borkhuis, is dropping by and we’re going to talk about business management and some keys to success.

I first met Brad when he ran a convenience industry food distribution company in North Dakota and one of my communications clients was a trade association that served that industry. I admired Brad for his smarts, his openness, and was grateful for his willingness to share information with me that helped me do my job.

Today, Brad is a business management coach and operates a company called Epitome Coaching and Consulting. He’s the author of a book on Amazon, “Eye of the Storm: Leading from Peace When All Hell is Breaking Loose,” and writes a blog called the Greatness Garage. The philosophy that guides him in his life and his work is this: Do Right, Be Right, and Pay it Forward. I like that a lot.

Here’s our conversation. I hope you enjoy it.

NFN Radio News-Episode 339-Do Right, Be Right, and Pay it Forward - 7:5:21, 2.33 PM

Finally, the House of Representatives has passed the sweeping infrastructure bill promised by President Biden, and nutcase GOP Rep. Marjory Taylor Greene (MTG) of Georgia says it's all part of "Biden's Communist takeover of America." 

Greene needs to be sent to the looney bin, but in the meantime she might want to listen to this episode of The Lean to the Left Podcast, which features a young American Communist who talks about what Communism is all about and what it would involve for the U.S. She might actually learn something, if that is possible.

Our guest is Jamarr Jabari, a 29-year-old member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, or the Communist party in the United States, and he talks about his hopes for social revolution in the U.S. 

Jabari, who subscribes to the idea that capitalism should be replaced with full-fledged socialism in the United States and that private home and land ownership should be eliminated, is a passionate community organizer and committed to pushing for sweeping governmental policies that will benefit the average working person, rather than the well-to-do.

In our interview, Jabari pulls no punches. He says both the Democratic and Republican parties simply sell out to powerful corporate interests, although he agrees that Democratic policies and actions generally are preferred over the Republicans'

He hosts a podcast called the Jabari VOC Podcast and his Facebook page says he’s a Marxist, Leninist, and PanAfricanist. He calls people Comrade on his podcast. So, I guess that proves he's a Communist. 

If you are curious about the ideas, goals, and plans of those who would eliminate the capitalistic system in the U.S., take a listen to this interview. It will be more informative than listening to the wacko comments from MTG.

A Communist Talks Social Revolution

Are you a veteran? Have interesting stories that you could share for posterity? Know a veteran who you’d like to honor? Take a listen and find out how.

We’re delighted to present Monica Mohindra, acting director of the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.

We’re a little late for Veterans Day, but then we need to be celebrating and honoring our veterans every day of the year.

Monica is the wife of a Navy veteran who comes from a long line of veterans and is dedicated to sharing – and preserving for future generations – the stories of those who have served in our military – including women.

Women have served in uniform in all branches of the U.S. military since World War II. From nurses, to code breakers, to pilots, to surgeons, to mechanics, to frontline warriors and everything in between, women veterans have done it all.

In this episode, Monica explains:

* What the Veterans History Project is all about
* What's included there now
* How you can contribute
* Why it's important to share these stories
* How to view and learn from the Veterans History Project
* How it helps families and those suffering from PTSD

Take a listen...

War Stories

Our guest is Martin Henson, executive director of the BMEN Foundation whose mission is to mobilize and support all Black men and address issues many confront every day.

BMen is based in Boston and was established as a response to the “Me Too” movement as increasing numbers of women came forward to reveal instances of sexual abuse against them.
But it’s grown far beyond that, with counseling sessions to help Black men who face stigma and other life challenges.

Our interview with Henson explores all of that and also his views about Republican efforts to restrict voting that are aimed at minority voters and the failure of Congress to enact voting reforms.

However, Henson is quick to caution listeners not to judge President Biden too harshly, pointing out the disastrous presidency of Donald Trump.

Here are some of the questions we explore in the episode with Martin Henson:
1.Some of the key areas identified on your website include addressing stigma, education and advocacy, collaboration, problem solving, respect and community. Tell us about what you’re doing in these areas – and why they’re important.
2.The website says BMEN is an “inclusive group” – what does that mean?
3.What services and activities do you provide?
4.Is the foundation politically active?
5.Foundation implies funding – where does your funding come from?
6.What are your overall goals and objectives?
7.What are your thoughts about the voting restrictions being enacted in response to Trump’s “Big Lie” about the election?
8.What is your reaction to the failure of Congress – and specifically Biden and the Democrats – to get voting reform legislation passed and signed into law?

Lean to the Left-Episode 437-Helping Black Men Navigate Life's Challenges - 2:13:22, 2.53 PM

Our guest today is a young Millennial, Leesa Danzek, who was an extremely active Republican but now is trying to turn a ruby red area of South Carolina blue. 

Leesa explains what factors influenced her transformation and what she hopes to accomplish, and along the way has some pointed comments about the Republican Party, its positions on such issues as abortion and racial equality.

She talks about the future and the role she hopes to play in creating a better, more welcoming place for all Americans, regardless of race, age, political persuasion, or sexual orientation.

Leesa is another in a series of guests commemorating Women’s History Month.

But first, here’s a reminder that you can follow us on our website, https://podcast.leantotheleft.net and, you can reach me at bob@leantotheleft.net.

Also, if you enjoyed this episode, please give a review on Apple Podcasts or any of the podcast links you’ll find on our website, podcast.leantotheleft.net.

And here’s a shout out to Nashville blues musician and songwriter Scott Ramminger for providing our music bed for the Lean to the Left podcast. You can catch up with Scott at ScottRamminger.com.

And don’t forget to connect with us on social media. Facebook at The Lean to the Left Podcast. Twitter at The Real Not Fake News. Instagram at Not Fake News. 

You can also support our show and help us keep going by clicking on the Donate tab at the top of the page, where you’ll find links to “Buy Me a Cup of Coffee” and also PayPal.

Now, for today’s show… 



Take a listen…

A Millennial Looks to the Future

Hey guys, welcome to another episode of Lean to the Left, presenting no-holds-barred progressive commentary and newsmaker interviews. I’m your host, Bob Gatty.

At Lean to the Left you’ll find insight into today’s news, plus analysis…with focus on social issues that affect all of us. You’ll never know who’ll show up at Lean to the Left.

Today we’re talking about Donald Trump, Sen. Lindsey Graham and more of the Republican motley crew who are making wacked out suggestions about what to do about Putin and his attacks on Ukraine.

But before we get started, here’s a reminder that you can follow us at podcast.leantotheleft.net, and, you can reach me at bob@leantotheleft.net. And you can follow us on social media…Facebook at The Lean to the Left Podcast. Twitter at The Real Not Fake News. Instagram at Not Fake News. 

Also, if you enjoyed this episode, please give a review on Apple Podcasts or any of the podcast links you’ll find on our website, podcast.leantotheleft.net.

And here’s a shout out to Nashville blues musician and songwriter Scott Ramminger for providing our music bed for the Lean to the Left podcast. You can catch up with Scott at ScottRamminger.com.

Now, for today’s show…a narration of our latest blog on Lean to the left.net. It’s called Republican Looney Tunes.

Republican Looney Tunes

DW Duke is a California attorney and an author of six published books with three more books currently in production. His work has focused on human rights and empathy as a tool to overcome confrontation and conflict in the world.

DW currently is creating a series of biographical novels and screenplays about social justice issues. One of his books, Racism Awareness, scheduled to be released in March of 2023, addresses root causes of racism and presents effective ways to identify and eradicate it.

Another, ”Not Without a Fight,” is a biographical novel based on the true story of a Jewish boy who becomes a Resistance Fighter in World War II in Poland. The book’s message is we shouldn’t be erasing history, we should be learning from it. That’s timely.

It’s a pleasure for me and Mark Bello, co-host of the Justice Counts podcast, to welcome you, DW, to our podcast.

Mark– Welcome to the podcast. “Not Without A Fight” is your first book based upon a true story set during the Holocaust era. As most of our listeners know, I’m a Jewish Boy and I’ve also written a Holocaust novella, based on a true story. But, talk to us about your  book, why you wrote it, and what message you would like readers to walk away with.

Bob – Your next book, The Duke Legacy, also is based on a true story, takes place during the civil war era, and tells the story of a young man growing up in the south, and is deeply troubled by slavery. It isn’t lost on me that the kid’s last name is Duke—Is this book about your own family and why did you write it?

Bob – Our country is struggling with the problems of discrimination and racism. Is that why you wrote “Racism Awareness?” Talk to us about that.

Mark: There is a rise in anti-Semitic activities and attitudes in America today. Jew hatred is on the rise. Do you see many parallels between what’s going on in America today and the rise of Nazism in Germany in the 1930s?

Bob – You have said that empathy is a tool in overcoming stereotypes and discrimination. I would agree with that, but it sounds rather simplistic. Can you elaborate for us? What can the average citizen do to improve our interreligious or interracial discourse?

Mark – I want to go back to “Not Without a Fight” for a moment. The boy who is the focus of the book survives the war. Did he continue his activism? What was his life like after the war?

Bob – Aside from our racial and religious differences, we have a serious political divide in America today. What can be we do to resolve, or at least ease, political polarization in the U.S.?

Mark – Bob tells me that there may be a movie in the works based on “Not Without a Fight.” That’s exciting. What is the status of this project and when might we be able to see the movie in theatres or on television?

Bob -- You have another biographical novel currently in production called “Because I’m Black.” What is that book about?

Mark: Your books are based on rather terrible periods in history. In the first two books, your two protagonists, Thomas Biebers and Washington Duke, hate what’s going on in their respective countries during their lifetimes. What would they think of modern day Germany and America? Would they be pleased or disappointed with our progress?

Bob – Your work on discrimination and religious hatred is note-worthy and your books take a fascinating look at troubling times. Where can people find these important books?

Mark: In the introduction, Bob mentioned that “Not Without a Fight” core message is that we shouldn’t be erasing history, we should be learning from it. What do you think of the current discussion in America about sugar-coating history books and book-banning? 

Mark: Wow. DW? You are a man after my own heart. We are better than this. We do not need to be an “us” vs. “them” society. As Rodney King said all those years ago: “Can’t we all get along?” Continued success with your career and lots of luck with “Because I’m Black.”

DW Duke-Overcoming Confrontation & Conflict

Uncover the truth about Racism in the Doctor's Office as Dr. Sanlare Gordon sheds light on systemic discrimination and its impact on healthcare for people of color.

A recent national survey indicates that many Black, Hispanic and other minority individuals experience some form of discrimination or racism when they seek health care.

Since 63.9% of active physicians identify as white, while only 20.6% are Asian, 6.9% Hispanic, and only 5.7% as Black or African American, could this be a reason they experience racism in the doctor’s office?

Dr. Sanlare Gordon, board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, discusses this form of discrimination and racism on the Lean to the Left podcast. She is a staff physician at Pandia Health, the only women-founded and women-led birth control delivery service, and serves as a traveling OBGYN physician, filling in where there is a need -- especially in small and rural communities where doctors are in short supply.

Why is it that women of color feel that they are the victims of racism in so many health care settings?

"The true answer is systemic racism, and we're still dealing with systemic racism, because there was absolutely a time to where blacks and Hispanics and indigenous people just weren't even allowed into medical schools," she says.

"And then finally there were medical schools that would allow us to be there, but it wasn't the majority. There will be like, okay, one or two per class. We do now have historically black colleges and universities that do have medical schools."

Then, she says, of the medical schools that are out there, "we don't have that many. In my class, we had 160 people. In my class of 160, it was eight black people. And I know that I can name all of them. They're all in my phone. So it's just really and truly not that many of us being actually admitted into the schools."

To change that, Dr. Gordon says more emphasis needs to be placed on teaching minority students how to take standardized tests and that more people of color should be hired for administrative positions, including in the medical school admissions process.

Dr. Gordon's interview is filled with humor and anecdotes about her experience as she discusses the impact of racism on people of color, particularly women, in the doctor's office or other medical facility. She talks about how Black or Hispanic women often are uncomfortable sharing their private medical concerns with white male doctors, and how often their conditions are misdiagnosed because of racial bias -- and how that can lead to worsening conditions or even death.

Dr. Sanlare Gordon

Uncover the truth behind 'The Kecksburg UFO: The Story of the Century' with UFO investigator Stan Gordon. Explore the mysterious events of 1965 and beyond.

It was in the early evening of Thursday, December 9, 1965 that the night editor of the Greensburg, PA, Tribune-Review sent me to the little rural community of Kecksburg, PA, to cover the reported landing of an unidentified flying object in the woods near a farmer’s field.

When I arrived, armed soldiers blocked access to what was the reported landing site and I was told that if I ventured into that field, I would be arrested. Yet, the soldier in charge told me that “nothing” had happened.

Fast forward to today. We have with us on the Lean to the Left podcast UFO investigator Stan Gordon, a Pennsylvanian who for these past 59 years has been searching for the truth about what really happened that night.

Stan has been researching UFO sightings, Bigfoot encounters, and other mysterious events in Pennsylvania since 1959, so when the Kecksburg incident occurred, it was right in his wheelhouse.

 He is a former Pennsylvania state director for the Mutual UFO Network and produced the UFO video documentary, “Kecksburg the Untold Story.” He’s written four books, including his latest, “Creepy Cryptids and Strange UFO Encounters of Pennsylvania.”

Back in 2017, Stan invited me to speak at the annual Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department’s UFO Festival, to recount my experience as a reporter that night. Now, it’s my turn to have him on my show. Here are questions we discussed with Stan: 

Q. So, Stan, tell us what your investigation into the Kecksburg UFO incident has revealed.

Q. What do you believe happened that night?

Q. Eye witnesses said the object appeared to be steered – it just didn’t shoot down from the sky. Do you believe those reports? If it was guided somehow, what does that tell you?

Q. There have been suggestions that this was some sort of military device that might even have been radioactive. Do you believe that?

Q. There’s a replica of the object, which looks like a giant acorn, on display at the Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department’s grounds. It’s complete with strange markings that some eyewitnesses said they saw. What do you make of that?

Q. Since then, you’ve expanded your research to include other UFO sightings, Bigfoot encounters, and then, of course, you wrote this latest book about “creepy cryptids.” First of all, what is a cryptid?

Q. What’s this research produced in terms of solid information?

Q. You make a lot of public appearances to discuss Kecksburg and these other unexplained happenings. What’s that experience been like? Have people come forward with more info for you?

Q. In fact, you established a UFO hot-line for the public to report UFO sightings so you could investigate them. Is that hotline still in use? What is it? What’s it produced?

Q. How did the Kecksburg UFO incident lead you to expand your work from UFOs to Bigfoot and cryptids?

Q. How can people find your books? How can they reach out to you to discuss or provide information?

UFOs & Big Foot - Explaining The Unexplainable

Tune in to the latest episode of the Lean to the Left podcast where Bob Gatty delves into insightful conversations with Dick Batchelor on navigating toxic times and building bridges in our communities. 🌐 Visit leantoleft.net to listen now! #CommunityBuilding #PublicService

Building Bridges In Toxic Times

🚂 Dive into the fascinating world of campaign trains and their impact on politics! 🇺🇸 Join Edward Segal, the expert on whistle stop tours, as he discusses Biden's potential route to resurgence. Listen to the podcast for insights! #WhistleStopPolitics #CampaignTrains #PoliticalHistory". https://www.leantotheleft.net/post/mr-president-why-not-catch-a-train-to-victory

Biden: On Track for Victory?

Author Matthew Stevenson says the Lean to the Left Podcast provides a forum for intellectual discussion about important political and social issues.
Stevenson's comments came in an interview regarding the choice between Biden and Trump, now streaming.  https://youtu.be/ePfiu3QxLiQ

The Lean to the Left Podcast: A Forum to Consider & Then Decide

Join the Dixie Dams—Arthur Hill, Robert Thompson, and the host from South Carolina—as they dive into current political issues on the Lean to the Left podcast.

The episode covers a range of hot topics including Trump's New York hush money trial, a new initiative to energize young voters called TOGETHER!, Supreme Court decisions on gerrymandering and other impactful rulings, and heated debates over DEI funding.

Discussions also address the controversies surrounding political figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene and analyze the changing political landscapes in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Whether it's local legislation on masks and development or national electoral implications, this episode provides an in-depth look at America's political atmosphere.

00:00 Welcome to the Lean to the Left Podcast

01:29 Diving into the Trump Hush Money Trial

04:09 Political Climate and Voter Sentiments

09:00 Nationwide Initiative to Unite and Mobilize Young Voters

10:47 The Curious Case of RFK Jr.'s Brain Worm

12:54 Supreme Court's Controversial Decision on Gerrymandering

16:46 State Politics: Mask Laws and DEI Funding

32:35 Election Integrity and the Fulton County Court Clerk Race

Dixie Dems May 24

Explore the insightful analysis of veteran diplomat Stuart E. Eizenstat on ending Wars in Gaza & Ukraine as he shares the keys to peace and diplomacy from his long experience as an international negotiator. 

In this episode, we speak with Ambassador Eisenstadt about his latest book, which includes interviews with dozens of U.S. and global leaders such as Presidents Clinton, Carter, and others. 

Eisenstat offers reflections on key diplomatic skills, current geopolitical issues like the Ukraine War and Gaza conflict, and provides advice for U.S. military strategy. He also shares personal anecdotes and insights from his extensive negotiations experience, including his work on Holocaust issues and economic peace processes. 

Eizenstat said the eventual resolution of the Ukraine conflict will hinge on a strategic stalemate on the battlefield. 

"This war in Ukraine will ultimately end when both sides believe they can't get anything further on the battlefield in terms of their political goals," he said. 

Eizenstat advocated for the U.S. to continue providing critical military aid to Ukraine, comparing the potential outcomes to the armistice that concluded the Korean War, rather than a direct peace agreement. 

The long time diplomat said the US. must "give Israel the means to defeat and disable Hamas as a governing and military structure, But, we have to also, as the administration is trying to do, combine diplomacy with military force." 

Eizenstat cautioned that Hamas will not be defeated alone by military force. and that the US. must "look at Gaza as part of a broader conflict. And that broader regional conflict involves Iran on the one hand, which has been the military supplier for Hamas, with its so called, and they call it this, their axis of resistance with Hamas, with Hezbollah, with the Houthis, with Syria." 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 

00:32 Purpose of the Book 

01:40 Key Skills for Successful Diplomacy 

03:01 Stamina in Diplomacy 

04:36 Lessons from Past Negotiations 

04:58 Ukraine Conflict and U.S. Military Role 

10:26 Gaza Conflict and Diplomatic Strategies 

15:51 Holocaust Negotiations and Personal Reflections 

16:42 Trump's Foreign Policy and Biden's Age 

21:28 Importance of U.S. International Engagement 

22:27 Personal Anecdotes and Conclusion

Diplomat Stuart E. Eizenstat Says US Must Continue Supporting Efforts to End Wars in Ukraine & Gaza

Donald Trump is more than a month away from returning to the White House and he’s already cooking up plans selling out the American people, satisfying his big money donors to the detriment of public safety, the environment, and more.

Meanwhile, If you enjoy this commentary, please like and subscribe! We have many more thought-provoking discussions and guest interviews lined up that you won't want to miss.

Last May, candidate Trump reportedly told oil industry executives that if they donated $1 billion to his campaign, he would get rid of troublesome federal regulations designed to support clean energy and conserve the environment.

What happened? Well, he didn’t get $1 billion, but oil industry interests contributed $75 million to his election effort. Now, over 100 manufacturing and business groups have sent him a letter urging an end to Biden administration regulations on pollution, worker safety, consumer protection and more, claiming the rules are “strangling” the nation’s economy. They want what they paid for.

Trump has promised to rollback climate funding contained in the Infrastructure Reduction Act,  once again pull out of the Paris Climate Accord, and boost American oil and natural gas production. He’ wants to ditch federal support for offshore wind projects, claiming that windmills kill birds and spoil the view.

But it’s not just the battle against climate change that will suffer from the grifter-in-chief’s money grubbing actions. Not by a long shot. 

Tune in to understand the implications of Trump's financial ventures on his presidency and national interests.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Trump's Pre-Inauguration Plans to Sell Out America
00:22 Oil Industry Influence and Environmental Rollbacks
01:48 Elon Musk and Car Safety Regulations
02:50 Conflicts of Interest in Trump's Administration
03:26 Trump's Business Ventures and Foreign Influence
06:11 Consumer Products and Personal Enrichment
07:17 Conclusion and Call to Action

About Bob Gatty 
A former journalist and communications consultant, Bob Gatty is the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast, which focuses on progressive politics and the important social issues of our time. 

Please check out Bob's new book, Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump's Attack on America's Greatness, now available on Amazon.com. Barnes & Noble and other outlets. Paperback: $11; Hardcover: $24. Digital version: $3.99. Here's a direct link: https://amzn.to/4eK8ghZ.

Bob is considering making changes to Lean to the Left in 2025, and is asking for your input. Please take a moment to complete two quick 4-question polls here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeantotheLeft/community

DISCLAIMER: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through them, you won’t pay any extra – in fact, you may even save with a discount! Using these links helps support this channel, allowing us to keep providing free content to help you on your journey. Thank you for your support.

Selling Out the American People-1

Meeting the Pre-Teen Challenge
Today, with the Holidays upon us, I'm veering away from political discussions to focus on kids, specifically pre-teen kids, and I invite you to check out this interview with life coach Marcus Aurelius Higgs as we discuss meeting the pre-teen challenge. And, if you like it, please consider subscribing and leaving a comment. Hitting the like button would be great, too!

Our guest is Marcus Higgs, a life coach specializing in communication strategies for parents of preteens. The discussion covers the importance of open communication, family relationships, and critical thinking for preteens. 

Marcus shares his journey from being a missionary in South Korea to founding Certain Future Press, a company dedicated to character development and supporting holistic growth in families. 

He introduces the 'Show Up' framework designed to help parents foster strong identities and communication skills in their children facing the challenges of modern societal pressures, especially those stemming from social media. 

Additionally, Marcus emphasizes the value of collective growth, interpersonal development, and the significance of virtues and values in family culture.

Marcus is the author of "Inspire Life Through Words of Well-Being," personal meditations in poetry. Here's a link: https://amzn.to/3P8093q

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome to Lean to the Left Podcast
00:22 Introducing Marcus Higgs: Life Coach for Preteen Parents
01:35 Marcus Higgs' Background and Missionary Work
02:37 The Birth of Certain Future Press
03:31 Communication Strategies for Preteen Parents
05:00 The Show Up Framework: Helping Parents Show Up
06:43 Challenges and Strategies in Parenting Preteens
12:02 Public vs. Private Education Debate
14:48 Understanding the Show Up Framework
15:05 Melting the Wall of Ice: Building a Strong Identity
15:12 Understanding Virtues and Values
15:55 Challenges of Identity in the Digital Age
16:27 The SHOW Framework: Strategies for Parents
18:19 Counseling and Support for Parents
21:37 The Role of Technology and Social Media
27:34 Characteristics of the Ideal Parent
29:29 Inspiring Life Through Words of Wellbeing
30:37 Generational Impact and Legacy
31:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About Bob Gatty 
A former journalist and communications consultant, Bob Gatty is the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast, which focuses on progressive politics and the important social issues of our time. 

Please check out Bob's new book, Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump's Attack on America's Greatness, now available on Amazon.com. Barnes & Noble and other outlets. Paperback: $11; Hardcover: $24. Digital version: $3.99. Here's a direct link: https://amzn.to/4eK8ghZ.

Bob is considering making changes to Lean to the Left in 2025, and is asking for your input. Please take a moment to complete two quick 4-question polls here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeantotheLeft/community

Our mission is to challenge the status quo and provide a platform for underrepresented voices. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

DISCLAIMER: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through them, you won’t pay any extra – in fact, you may even save with a discount! Using these links helps support this channel, allowing us to keep providing free content to help you on your journey. Thank you for your support.

Meeting the Pre-Teen Challenge

HIJACKED NATION - Donald Trump's attack on America's greatness.  GET YOUR COPY TODAY! https://amzn.to/4eK8ghZ 

Crime, Time, and Redemption

In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, host Bob Gatty interviews Jack Straw, a former law enforcement officer, businessman, federal prison inmate, and now a novelist. 

Jack shares his journey from rising quickly in the police force to committing white-collar crimes, leading to his time in federal prison. While in prison, Jack began writing books and found new purpose. 

He talks about his experiences in various institutions, the challenges faced, and the stories he developed along the way. Now remarried and living a fulfilling life, Jack continues to write and aims to shed light on the realities of the prison system through his new works.

One of the fascinating points of discussion involves how polygraph tests are abused and innocent suspects are bullied and tricked into confessing to crimes they did not commit. 

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Jack Straw
00:27 Jack's Law Enforcement Career and Downfall
01:56 Life in Federal Prison
05:23 Writing Books in Prison
08:32 The Corruption of Polygraphs
10:24 Children's Book and Future Projects
13:02 Life in a Minimum Security Camp
13:34 A Medical Misdiagnosis
14:56 Scary Incidents in Prison
15:41 The Structure of Florence Prison
17:02 Life After Prison
18:30 Coping with Loneliness and Hopelessness
20:38 Navigating Prison Rules and Respect
24:35 The First Step Act and Early Release
25:17 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Amazon link to Straw's books: https://amzn.to/3WdCUZT.

About Bob Gatty 
A former journalist and communications consultant, Bob Gatty is the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast, which focuses on progressive politics and the important social issues of our time. 

Please check out Bob's new book, Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump's Attack on America's Greatness, now available on Amazon.com. Barnes & Noble and other outlets. Paperback: $11; Hardcover: $24. Digital version: $3.99. Here's a direct link: https://amzn.to/4eK8ghZ.

As we continue to explore pressing social issues, I encourage everyone to share their stories and experiences. Your voice matters!

DISCLAIMER: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through them, you won’t pay any extra – in fact, you may even save with a discount! Using these links helps support this channel, allowing us to keep providing free content to help you on your journey. Thank you for your support.

Jack Straw -- Cop to Inmate

Above the Law https://youtube.com/shorts/eBZGhaT1pCo Trump is already acting like a wannabe dictator having skated through all of his criminal court cases with virtually zero consequences. I'll be 82 tomorrow and just hope I'll live to see the end of this tyrant's political life.

Above the Law

If there’s one thing Donald Trump both loves, and loves to hate, it’s numbers. Poll numbers, economic numbers, stock market numbers and, of course, crowd size numbers. 

When it comes to numbers, Trump is quick to embrace the positive while assigning blame to the negative. Trump is absolutely obsessed with numbers.

Not Fake News writer Chris Waldron takes a look at that in today’s podcast, Playing the Numbers. 

Take  Listen.

NFN Radio News - Episode 117 - Playing The Numbers - 6:15:20, 2.00 PM

Yesterday the New York Times reported that Vice President Mike Pence told governors in a phone call that really, the coronavirus is under control, and that increased numbers of cases is just because more testing is being done.

And then, he said the economy is booming back and everything is fine. He fed them the party line because Trump is desperate to at least make people think that it’s all good, even though it’s not.

What came to mind was Mad Magazine’s Alfred E. Neuman and his old line, “What Me Worry?”

That would be funny if it wasn’t so serious…in fact, deadly serious.  

That’s the topic of today’s podcast, so take a listen to “The Two Big Lies” from Not Fake News.biz.

NFN Radio News - Episode 118 - The Two Big Lies - 6:16:20, 3.42 PM

Should the American people have to put up with this nonsense being pursued by Donald Trump and his nutty lawyer, Rudy Giuliani? What will come of all of this?

Take a listen to “Aftermath of a Coup Attempt” from Not Fake News.biz.

NFN Radio News - Episode 210 - Aftermath Of A Coup Attempt - 11:20:20, 7.20 PM

Journalist, blogger at https://notfakenews.biz. Author: Hijacked Nation, Donald Trump's attack on America's greatness. Political writer. Just a little lean to the left.

The Lean to the Left Podcast

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks