Progressive Voices

Why Society Keeps Collapsing—And We Just Pretend It’s Fine | Karel Cast 25-71 Description: Our world is unraveling, but we’re too busy pretending everything’s normal. In today’s Karel Cast, I break down a powerful article on hypernormalization—how we normalize the absurd and destructive just to keep functioning. Sound familiar? It should. Also: The anti-LGBTQ+ agenda continues to escalate. Where does it end? What is the ultimate goal of those targeting queer lives and rights? Plus, Trump’s latest move? Pardoning reality show felons. How much lower can it go? 👉 WATCH, like, and subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel 💬 Join the convo in the comments ❤️ Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel 🎙️ The Karel Cast streams Mon–Thurs @ 10:30AM PST on all major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and more. 📱 Follow for more on TikTok & Instagram: @reallykarel

This week on CodeWACK! Medicare for All is back in the spotlight! With two new bills recently introduced in Congress, what makes these proposals different from earlier versions— and why are some advocates feeling hopeful, even in the current political climate? What would a truly public, universal health care system look like, and how could it help curb the soaring costs, corporate greed, and bureaucracy plaguing our current system? To unpack this, we spoke with Rachel Madley, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Center for Health and Democracy. A former health policy advisor to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal — lead sponsor of the House Medicare for All bill — Rachel helped shape and reintroduce the landmark legislation in 2023. She’s also a former FDA staffer and holds a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from Columbia University, where she was active in both Physicians for a National Health Program and Students for a National Health Program.

Why the “Big Beautiful Bill” Is a Big Fat Lie — And No One’s Talking About It Description: In this episode of The Karel Cast, we dig into the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” — praised in headlines but deeply flawed beneath the surface. While the Senate nitpicks over details, no one is asking the real question: why is this bill just bad for Americans, full stop? Karel breaks down the bigger picture lawmakers ignore and why this is a pattern that keeps hurting everyday people. Next, we tackle the $750,000 budget hole at NYC Pride and the growing financial crisis facing LGBTQ+ Pride events nationwide. A recent survey shows consumers are now twice as likely to avoid brands that support Pride. Is this Trump’s fault? Not exactly. Karel has a sharper take. Finally, a little keyboard chaos: Karel got into it online with a journalist covering the Nevada Gay Rodeo. What sparked the drama? Let’s just say it involves clout-chasing, rodeos, and a whole lotta ego. 🔥 Unfiltered. Honest. Bold as ever. 🟢 Support the show: patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Watch + Subscribe: youtube.com/reallykarel 🎧 Stream anywhere: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker & more 📱 Follow on TikTok + Instagram: @reallykarel 📍 Live Mon–Thurs at 10:30am PST

$7 Coffee? $3 Cream? Restaurant Tries to Defend INSANE Prices — It Backfires Description: In today’s episode of The Karel Cast, we dive into the viral backlash against Ain’t Normal Coffee in Oakland after a reviewer called them out for charging $3 extra for a splash of half and half. The owner says it’s unfair criticism — but is it really? When coffee already costs up to $10, and a scone is $7, how much is too much? We also tackle the global double standard in media outrage: Gaza’s ongoing devastation continues, yet a single violent incident in the U.S. involving Israelis sparks international headlines. Why is one life valued over another in public discourse? Plus, let’s get personal — when someone says “I need space” in a relationship, what does that even mean? Karel shares a raw and honest take on emotional distance and what it really signals. 🔥 Tune in for bold opinions, unfiltered honesty, and the truth you’re not hearing anywhere else. 🟢 Support the show: patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Watch + Subscribe: youtube.com/reallykarel 🎧 Stream anywhere: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker & more 📱 Follow on TikTok + Instagram: @reallykarel 📍 Live Mon–Thurs at 10:30am PST

💀 30 Americans Die EVERY Hour From This Hidden Killer | Karel Cast Ep. 25-68 You hear about cancer, heart disease, and accidents — but the #3 leading cause of death in the USA? You probably haven’t been told the full truth. ➡️ Medical errors claim 100,000 lives a year — that’s 30 people per hour. And no, these aren’t rare mistakes… they’re disturbingly common. 💔 I lost the most important person in my life to this, and 24 years later, I still don’t trust the medical system — and after this episode, you might not either. 🚀 Meanwhile, Trump wants to weaponize space with a “golden dome” of defense — but who actually owns space? And what happens when other countries respond in kind? This could trigger a dangerous new arms race above Earth. ⚖️ Plus: I want to lose weight the old-fashioned way — but is that foolish in today’s shortcut-obsessed world? 🎧 Watch & listen to The Karel Cast, now streaming everywhere — Apple, Spotify, iHeart, YouTube, TikTok, and more. 💖 Support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Subscribe: YouTube.com/reallykarel