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LGBTQ Rights Under Pressure: Supreme Court Fight & Russia’s Crackdown Backfires Who gets protected—and who gets pushed aside? From a Supreme Court religious freedom battle to Russia’s anti-LGBTQ crackdown punishing even homophobes, Karel examines the global fight over LGBTQ rights, equality, and belonging. On this episode of The Karel Cast, we discuss: • Religious freedom and LGBTQ equality: The Denver archdiocese’s challenge to Colorado’s nondiscrimination requirements—and the stakes of the Supreme Court case. • Russia’s crackdown backfires: People posting against LGBTQ rights are getting caught in the same system targeting queer expression. Read the report from Meduza. • The fight for recognition: LGBTQI+ marchers in Caracas demand rights, while Colombian activists fight to restore LGBTQ and left-wing history to the National Museum. • Support for LGBTQIA+ solo parents: The Philippines’ Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act and the push to ensure eligible families receive protection. • Faith and belonging: Father James Martin’s Outreach organization publishes a “Confiteor for LGBTQ Catholics,” bringing LGBTQ experiences into a conversation about Catholic prayer. Read The Catholic Herald’s coverage. • Dating in uncertain times: Hinge’s survey explores how LGBTQ daters turn uncertainty into clearer boundaries, preferences, and relationship goals. • Patrick Stewart’s legacy of allyship: Reflecting on his support for LGBTQ equality and his longtime friendship with Sir Ian McKellen. Read Out’s tribute. Where do you draw the line between religious freedom and equal access? Share your thoughts in the comments, like this episode, and subscribe for independent LGBTQ news and political commentary. Join the conversation. Your voice matters. SUPPORT INDEPENDENT MEDIA Patreon: https://patreon.com/reallykarel Watch and subscribe: https://youtube.com/reallykarel WATCH THE KAREL CAST LIVE Monday–Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Pacific. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker, and other major podcast platforms. Follow The Karel Cast on TikTok and Instagram. Karel is a history-making broadcaster, entertainer, author, and political commentator based in Las Vegas. Alongside his beloved service dog, Ember, he brings independent perspectives, outspoken commentary, and real-life experiences to the issues shaping America. #LGBTQ, #LGBTQRights, #TheKarelCast, #Karel, #LGBTQNews, #SupremeCourt, #ReligiousFreedom, #Equality, #HumanRights, #Russia, #LGBTQCatholics, #PatrickStewart, #QueerHistory, #LGBTQDating, #IndependentMedia https://youtu.be/Bty6vYZqGD8

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.  Brad is first joined by Sarah Jones, Editor-in-Chief of PoliticusUSA, to break down the sweeping results of the 2026 midterm elections and what they could mean for the future of American politics. Jones argues that the outcome was about more than dissatisfaction with Donald Trump personally. She sees it as a broader rejection of MAGA politics and conservative economic policies that she says have favored billionaires while leaving many Americans struggling with costs such as gasoline and everyday expenses. Brad and Sarah also discuss the scale of Democratic gains, surprising results in traditionally Republican states, stronger Democratic performance among rural voters, and the possibility that some Republican voters crossed party lines. Jones describes the election as a historic political shift rather than a typical midterm wave. The conversation also turns to women’s political gains, abortion rights, the minimum wage, billionaire and dark-money spending, and what the results could mean for figures such as Josh Shapiro, Elon Musk and the Republican Party heading toward 2028. Brad is then joined by political scientist John Kenneth White, co-author of Democracy on the Edge: The Trump Elections and the Future of American Politics, to examine the 2026 midterm results and what they could mean for the future of both major parties and American democracy. White characterizes the election as a major repudiation of Donald Trump and argues that the Trump movement’s setbacks were largely self-inflicted. Brad and John discuss voter dissatisfaction over the economy, health care, tariffs and foreign policy, as well as emerging divisions between Trump, Vice President JD Vance and different factions of the Republican Party. The conversation then looks ahead to 2028, including possible fractures between MAGA and more traditional Republicans, generational changes in the electorate and the growing prominence of a new generation of political leaders. They also examine what the midterms could mean for the Democratic presidential field, including the potential importance of governors and candidates who have demonstrated an ability to appeal across traditional political divides. Finally, Brad and John return to the central question posed by Democracy on the Edge: what happens to American democracy next? White argues that election results alone are not enough, and that Congress will need to reclaim constitutional powers that have increasingly shifted toward the presidency. They discuss war powers, congressional control of funding and the potential for a newly empowered Congress to impose greater checks on presidential authority. Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' You can read his new Substack called, 'The Bannon Ballot Blast,' at www.bradbannon.substack.com. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

'BradCast' 11/4/2026: Democracy Strikes Back: Historic 'Blue Tsunami' midterms, with Heather Digby Parton and 'Driftglass,' by Progressive Voices

The People Have Spoken: MAGA is Over It wasn't a Blue Wave; it wasn't a blue tsunami. It was the Red Wedding from Game of Thrones. Last night was a political bloodletting, and even "safe" Republican states weren't. From Texas to Kansas, Georgia to the Carolinas, change came to our political system. What does it mean? What happens next? That's what today is all about. Join the conversation. Your voice matters. SUPPORT INDEPENDENT MEDIA Patreon: https://patreon.com/reallykarel Watch and subscribe: https://youtube.com/reallykarel WATCH THE KAREL CAST LIVE Monday–Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Pacific. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker, and other major podcast platforms. Follow The Karel Cast on TikTok and Instagram. ABOUT KAREL Karel is a history-making broadcaster, entertainer, author, and political commentator based in Las Vegas. Alongside his beloved service dog, Ember, he brings independent perspectives, outspoken commentary, and real-life experiences to the issues shaping America. #KarelShow, #LasVegas, #Vegan, #ThePeopleHaveSpoken, #MAGAIsOver, #TheKarelCast, #ElectionResults, #PoliticalCommentary, #RedWedding, #BlueWave, #AmericanPolitics, #IndependentMedia, #YourVoiceMatters, #PoliticalChange, #DemocracyInAction https://youtube.com/live/mEOveuDJO7o

This time on Code WACK! Support for Medicare for All has reached a record high, with roughly two thirds of Americans now favoring a national single-payer health plan. So why do politicians keep insisting it isn't politically feasible? This week's guest, Dr. Diljeet Singh, a gynecologic oncologist and president of Physicians for a National Health Program, discusses the influence of money in politics, mounting evidence for single-payer healthcare, and why she believes the American people will be the real driving force for change. She also makes a bold prediction about when Medicare for All could become reality! Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.

'BradCast' 11/3/2026: 'Nauseously Optimistic' Election Day 2026 Counterprogramming by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 11/3/2026 by Progressive Voices

A Reckoning Or a Disaster? MidTerms 2026 Well, this is it. A day that will either be a reckoning for MAGA and Trump or a disaster that continues for the United States. He bombed Iran the day before midterms. He stayed awake all night trying to interfere in Elections by posting lies about candidates, which, isn't that illegal? And why? Because he knows he's about the be the lamest of duck. Mentally, he is unraveling in front of the world, incoherent rants, going on about a reflecting pool as people are suffering the day before elections... Will today be the day we start to emerge from the wreckage of America, or will it be a complete disaster. Buckle up. It's not going to be over today, in fact, it may take months. Because beasts sinking in the tar pits of history don't go quietly. Join the conversation. Your voice matters. SUPPORT INDEPENDENT MEDIA Patreon: https://patreon.com/reallykarel Watch and subscribe: https://youtube.com/reallykarel WATCH THE KAREL CAST LIVE Monday–Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Pacific. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker, and other major podcast platforms. Follow The Karel Cast on TikTok and Instagram. ABOUT KAREL Karel is a history-making broadcaster, entertainer, author, and political commentator based in Las Vegas. Alongside his beloved service dog, Ember, he brings independent perspectives, outspoken commentary, and real-life experiences to the issues shaping America.

'BradCast' 11/2/2026: Last Call Before Election Day: Trump DOJ loses again in court; Final polling suggests 'blue tsunami', and more by Progressive Voices

2026 Midterm Elections: Will Trump and MAGA Accept the Results? | The Karel Cast America is heading into one of its most contentious midterm elections. But will the results settle anything—or ignite an even bigger political battle? With the 2026 midterm elections just hours away, voters are angry, political tensions are boiling over, and control of Congress hangs in the balance. Will Democrats capitalize on dissatisfaction with the Trump administration? Will Republicans defy historical trends? And what happens if Donald Trump and MAGA supporters challenge the election results? On today's The Karel Cast, we're examining the polls, the political predictions, voter frustration, and what the election could mean for America's future. PLUS: My attempt to vote became a national news story. I've appeared on ABC, CBS, Fox, and in four newspapers. I've faced what I believe was police intimidation, received support from the ACLU, and become the target of relentless online attacks and misinformation from MAGA supporters. All because I wanted to exercise my right to vote. What happened to me raises a much bigger question: When participating in democracy brings harassment, intimidation, and public attacks, how many Americans will simply stop speaking up? And after Election Day, will anything actually change? Join the conversation. Your voice matters. SUPPORT INDEPENDENT MEDIA Patreon: https://patreon.com/reallykarel Watch and subscribe: https://youtube.com/reallykarel WATCH THE KAREL CAST LIVE Monday–Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Pacific. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker, and other major podcast platforms. Follow The Karel Cast on TikTok and Instagram. ABOUT KAREL Karel is a history-making broadcaster, entertainer, author, and political commentator based in Las Vegas. Alongside his beloved service dog, Ember, he brings independent perspectives, outspoken commentary, and real-life experiences to the issues shaping America. #MidtermElections2026, #Election2026, #Trump, #MAGA, #Democrats, #Republicans, #ElectionDay, #VotingRights, #VoterIntimidation, #USPolitics, #PoliticalCommentary, #Democracy, #BreakingNews, #TheKarelCast, #Karel

Leslie welcomes Kevin Johnsen, Chair of the United Steelworkers’ Rubber and Plastics Industry Conference, to discuss the growing threat facing America’s domestic tire industry—and what the USW believes Washington must do before even more plants and good-paying jobs disappear. Domestic tire production has fallen sharply over the past two decades as imports have surged into the U.S. market, while recent plant closure announcements alone threaten thousands of jobs, including thousands held by USW members. Kevin explains what those losses mean for workers, their families, and the communities that depend on these plants. Leslie and Kevin also look at the Steelworkers’ long history of fighting unfair trade practices, including successful cases involving tire imports from China and other countries, and why the union believes the current crisis requires a broader response. At the center of that fight is the USW’s call for a Section 201 safeguard investigation into tire imports. Kevin breaks down what that process would involve, how it differs from traditional anti-dumping and countervailing duty cases, and how measures such as tariffs or import controls could help give American tire producers and workers a fair chance to compete. The conversation also explores why maintaining a strong domestic tire industry is about more than jobs. Tires are essential to transportation, agriculture, construction, mining, forestry, and other critical industries, making domestic production an important part of America’s economic and industrial security. Kevin says the industry has reached an inflection point—and the USW is urging Americans to act now by calling on U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to launch the investigation. Listeners can learn more and sign the union’s petition at usw.to/save-tires. Follow the USW on Facebook, Instagram and X, using the handle @steelworkers, and visit their website at USW.org. Also, check them out on Blue Sky where their handle is @steelworkers.bsky.social.

BradCast' 10/29/2026: Trump Determined to Strike U.S. Elections; Also: O'Keefe election fraud in MN; Obama rocks Atlanta by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 10/29/2026 by Progressive Voices

'BradCast' 10/28/2026: 'It's the Corruption, Stupid' and Other Observations Before Election Day, with Heather Digby Parton and 'Driftglass' by Progressive Voices

Your Gut Wants More Than a Quick Fix | Fermented Foods Explained Curious about gut health but don’t know where to start? From kimchi and tempeh to yogurt and kombucha, fermented foods can open the door to a whole new way of thinking about what you eat. On today’s No Show Show, Karel meets Ping—an oncologist, caregiver, mother and inventor of the Ferment Pro—to explore gut health, fermented foods and how beginners can get started. What’s the difference between prebiotics and probiotics? Why are people rediscovering traditional fermentation? And how can you make room for these foods in your everyday routine without getting overwhelmed? We discuss: - The connection between gut health and overall wellbeing. - Prebiotics, probiotics and the foods that contain them. - Traditional fermented foods, including kimchi, tempeh, yogurt and kombucha. - Ping’s inspiration for the Ferment Pro and her approach to home fermentation. Recipes and demonstrations are coming in future episodes. Today, we’re starting with the fundamentals—and the questions worth asking. What fermented food do you love—or want to try? Tell us in the comments, and subscribe for the upcoming demonstrations. Support independent media: Patreon.com/reallykarel Watch and subscribe: YouTube youtube.com/reallykarel Listen to The Karel Cast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker and other major podcast platforms. Follow Karel on TikTok and Instagram. LIVE Monday–Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Pacific. Karel is a history-making broadcaster, entertainer and commentator based in Las Vegas, joined by his little service dog, Ember. #TheKarelCast, #Karel, #NoShowShow, #GutHealth, #FermentedFoods, #Fermentation, #Probiotics, #Prebiotics, #GutMicrobiome, #Kimchi, #Tempeh, #Yogurt, #Kombucha, #HomeFermentation, #FermentPro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_kTCQ9tuog