The Professional Left Podcast with Driftglass and Blue Gal-logo

The Professional Left Podcast with Driftglass and Blue Gal

Progressive Talk

"Fiercely and unapologetically progressive, and definitely NSFW. 'The Professional Left' features award-winning bloggers Driftglass and Blue Gal as they skewer right-wing absurdities and dismantle mainstream media mealy-mouths with razor-sharp wit and zero filter. From mercilessly mocking partisan hacks to elevating stories the media ignores, it's the profane, unflinching political commentary you didn't know you needed. More at http://ProLeftPod.com."

Location:

United States

Description:

"Fiercely and unapologetically progressive, and definitely NSFW. 'The Professional Left' features award-winning bloggers Driftglass and Blue Gal as they skewer right-wing absurdities and dismantle mainstream media mealy-mouths with razor-sharp wit and zero filter. From mercilessly mocking partisan hacks to elevating stories the media ignores, it's the profane, unflinching political commentary you didn't know you needed. More at http://ProLeftPod.com."

Language:

English


Episodes
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Ep 876: It's Time Once Again To Swear In Public

2/13/2025
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

Duration:01:18:55

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Ep 875: FAFO Farmers Reap What They Sowed

2/11/2025
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.com Subscribe 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/proleftpod Recorded February 11, 2025. It's not safe for work, but it is safe for democracy. Support the show Content warning: Not safe for work. Support the show

Duration:00:57:49

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Ep 874: They Ain't Playing 4-Dimensional Chess

2/6/2025
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=15297 Driftglass and Blue Gal on The Cliff Schecter Show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tb0TkDaY3M Episode artwork by Bluegal Subscribe 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

Duration:01:06:59

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Ep 873: Heckuva Job, Duffy!

1/30/2025
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, Trump’s unqualified Transportation Secretary. As the hosts dissect the chaotic response and Trump’s penchant for politicizing tragedy, they explore the contrast between Republican and Democratic leadership styles, with special attention to the powerful pushback from Democratic governors against Trump’s agenda. They also reflect on the moral and strategic challenges facing the Democratic Party as they navigate a long fight ahead—one that demands clarity, decisive action, and a refusal to compromise with fascists. Plus, there's an appearance by a certain internet kitty with a love for forklifts! Episode artwork by Bluegal via Bing AI Subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts or check out proleftpod.com for more info and ways to contribute. Warning: This episode is not safe for work! Support the show

Duration:01:02:57

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Ep 872: Reality Bites Back - The Resistance Isn't Over

1/28/2025
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 62791 Cover artwork by bluegal.bsky.social/BingAI Support the show

Duration:01:17:27

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Ep 871: Truth to Power

1/23/2025
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. More 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 62791 Cover artwork via Unsplash/Nathan Dumlao. Support the show

Duration:01:06:17

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Ep 870 Propaganda! (Science Fiction University)

1/21/2025
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_z5i2 Images of Arthur C. Clarke's "I Remember Babylon" https://imgur.com/gallery/i-remember-babylon-by-arthur-c-clark-2BX7I6R Recorded 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

Duration:00:33:50

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Ep 869 Our Last Podcast Of The Biden Administration

1/16/2025
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

Duration:00:59:59

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Ep 868: Wherefore 'The Contrarian'?

1/14/2025
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

Duration:00:59:16

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Ep 867 Our 15th Podcast Anniversary

1/9/2025
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 you want to send us a Happy New Year card and/or contribution by mail? We love getting mail! The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, IL 62791 Support the show

Duration:00:53:12

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Ep 866: 'Polarization' Is The New 'Both Sides Do It'

1/7/2025
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. Programming Note Thursday marks the podcast's FIFTEENTH-anniversary show! Stay in Touch! proleftpodcast@gmail.comproleftpod.compatreon.com/proleftpodNot safe for work. Support the show

Duration:01:02:59

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Ep 865: Happy New Year + Remembering Gonzo and Jimmy Carter

12/31/2024
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 proleftpod.com. Link for this episode: “GONZO: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson” by Magnolia Pictures. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNUzYEDxBEw 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 want to send us a Happy New Year card and/or contribution by mail? We love getting mail! The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, IL 62791 Support the show

Duration:01:12:35

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Ep 864 President Musk ...and More Royko

12/19/2024
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 podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessionalLeft Support the show: PayPal | https://paypal.me/proleftpodcast Patreon | https://patreon.com/proleftpod Do you want to send us a holiday card and/or contribution by mail? We love getting mail! The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, IL 62791 Best of the Left: Progressive Politics, News, Culture. Expertly-curated by humans, not algorithms or AI, since 2006. 1000s of 5⭐️ reviews! Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show

Duration:00:42:48

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Ep 863: Yeah, We Don't Wanna Run WaPo Either

12/17/2024
Aww, nobody wants the "head up the Washington Post" job? In other news: More at proleftpod.com. YouTube and Avatar artwork by Fran/Bluegal 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 want to send us a holiday card and/or contribution by mail? We love getting mail! The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, IL 62791 Best of the Left: Progressive Politics, News, Culture. Expertly-curated by humans, not algorithms or AI, since 2006. 1000s of 5⭐️ reviews! Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show

Duration:00:58:46

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Ep 862: Little Red State Fundy

12/12/2024
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 want to send us a holiday card and/or contribution by mail? We love getting mail! The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, IL 62791 Support the show

Duration:01:03:50

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Ep 861 Meet the Latest NYT Focus Group!

12/10/2024
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/@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 want to send us a holiday card and/or contribution by mail? We love getting mail! The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, IL 62791 Support the show

Duration:00:44:15

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Episode 860: My Mistake

12/8/2024
We issue a correction to episode 859... Support the show

Duration:00:01:31

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Ep 859: The Memory Hole That Is America

12/5/2024
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 round up, we mention the word su*cide. David Frum in the Atlantic (gift link via George Conway) https://bsky.app/profile/gtconway.bsky.social/post/3lcjmpvoyyc26 Popular.Info: Donald’s Crypto Bribe Out in the Open https://popular.info/p/a-chinese-national-charged-with-fraud Anthem BC/BS Caves to Public Outrage over Anesthesia Policy https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-care/anthem-blue-cross-blue-shield-time-limits-anesthesia-surgery-rcna183035 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 want to send us a holiday card and/or contribution by mail? We love getting mail! The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, IL 62791 Support the show

Duration:01:03:29

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Ep 858 Pardon This, Republicans

12/3/2024
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 Support the show: PayPal | https://paypal.me/proleftpodcast Patreon | https://patreon.com/proleftpod Do you want to send us a holiday card and/or contribution by mail? We love getting mail! The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, IL 62791 Support the show

Duration:01:14:46

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Ep 857: The Content of Their Character

11/26/2024
Happy Thanksgiving to our listeners! We are so grateful to you for support of our show. We are off on Thursday. Next week we hope to do a Science Fiction University episode! Links for this episode: Mama Nous: "Worrying Has Never Changed a Thing" is used by permission. https://www.instagram.com/p/DCPONzGqtHV/ and where ever you get your music. Parkrose Permaculture (excerpt) “Why are Tr*mpers mad that folks are setting boundaries?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmMHtQyZsZI Trumpers effing around and finding out. FAFO! MAGA The Bitter Sweet Awakening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDp_tb5bs-0 MAGA When Family Members Abandon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3xzRQWrzio Chickens coming home to roost: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3OdC_dRp20 Genius parody from The Beaverton: "Opinion: Bluesky is a dangerous echo chamber because no one wants to hear from me, specifically" https://www.thebeaverton.com/2024/11/opinion-bluesky-is-a-dangerous-echo-chamber-because-no-one-wants-to-hear-from-me-specifically/ More at proleftpod.com. More at proleftpod.com. You can help us pay for DG's eye doctor expenses at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-ease-dgs-medical-financial-burden 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 Want to send us a holiday card and/or contribution by mail? We love getting mail! The Professional Left Podcast PO Box 9133 Springfield, IL 62791 Support the show

Duration:01:11:28