The Lean to the Left Podcast

DEC 7, 2025

Running for the Mountains|How Corporate Power Sold Out the Environment

In this powerful episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with filmmakers Babette Hogan and Julie Eisenberg to discuss their searing documentary, Running for the Mountains. Filmed over 15 years, Running for the Mountains exposes the deep entanglement between greed, politics, and environmental sacrifice in West Virginia, revealing how extractive industries have shaped public policy at the expense of human health and democratic accountability. Hogan and Eisenberg share firsthand stories of resistance, risk, and resilience—from arrests and threats to building trust within communities often ignored by the national media. The conversation digs into:• How corporate power influences environmental and energy policy• The weaponization of patriotism to justify environmental harm• The outsized political role of West Virginia figures like Joe Manchin• The personal and political cost of documenting environmental injustice This episode is a must-watch for anyone concerned about climate justice, political accountability, and the real human cost of deregulation. Running for the Mountains is currently available on Amazon Prime and Kanopy. 👉 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for in-depth conversations that challenge power, expose injustice, and inspire action. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to the Lean to the Left Podcast00:18 Meet the Filmmakers: Babette Hogan and Julie Eisenberg01:52 The Story Behind 'Running for the Mountains'02:34 Challenges and Risks in Filmmaking07:51 Political Landscape and Environmental Impact09:43 The Role of Patriotism and National Politics12:19 Joe Manchin's Influence and National Implications16:23 Environmental Devastation in West Virginia20:32 Film Distribution and Accessibility21:45 Personal Reflections and Future Plans25:26 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

26 MIN

DEC 1, 2025

Politics Gone Wild: Dixie Dems on Trump, Greene, and the Shifting South

Artificial intelligence is transforming our world—but not always for the better. In this urgent episode of Lean To the Left, we explore how AI is fueling a disturbing rise in digital sexual exploitation, including the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse materials. Our guest, Roger Canaff—former New York City special victims prosecutor, author, educator, and survivor—shares his unparalleled insight into how predators are weaponizing AI to manipulate innocent images, evade detection, and create explicit content without consent. He also exposes the failures of tech companies, the challenges in our legal system, and the critical need for better enforcement and oversight. We discuss:✅ How AI-generated imagery is changing the landscape of exploitation✅ The legal and ethical challenges facing lawmakers and prosecutors✅ Why tech companies aren’t doing enough✅ The role of parents, communities, and policy in prevention✅ Signs of hope—and the growing movement toward education and reform This is a difficult but essential conversation. By understanding the threat, we can work together to protect vulnerable children, support survivors, and demand accountability from those who shape our digital world. Guest: Roger Canaff – Legal expert, advocate, and survivorLearn more about Roger's work at https//rogercanaff.com👉 Subscribe for more conversations that shine a light on pressing social issues.👉 Share this episode to raise awareness and spark action. CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:03 Roger Canaff's Journey and Motivation02:24 AI and Sexual Exploitation06:09 The Role of Social Media and Tech Companies09:09 Legal and Legislative Efforts12:12 Parental and Societal Responsibilities13:33 Trauma Responses and Victim Support18:45 Justice 3D and Training Initiatives23:42 Roger Canaff's Books and Contact Information25:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

24 MIN

NOV 24, 2025

The New Frontier of Digital Sexual Exploitation: The Role of AI in Child Sex Abuse

Artificial intelligence is transforming our world—but not always for the better. In this urgent episode of Lean To the Left, we explore how AI is fueling a disturbing rise in digital sexual exploitation, including the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse materials. Our guest, Roger Canaff—former New York City special victims prosecutor, author, educator, and survivor—shares his unparalleled insight into how predators are weaponizing AI to manipulate innocent images, evade detection, and create explicit content without consent. He also exposes the failures of tech companies, the challenges in our legal system, and the critical need for better enforcement and oversight. We discuss:✅ How AI-generated imagery is changing the landscape of exploitation✅ The legal and ethical challenges facing lawmakers and prosecutors✅ Why tech companies aren’t doing enough✅ The role of parents, communities, and policy in prevention✅ Signs of hope—and the growing movement toward education and reform This is a difficult but essential conversation. By understanding the threat, we can work together to protect vulnerable children, support survivors, and demand accountability from those who shape our digital world. Guest: Roger Canaff – Legal expert, advocate, and survivorLearn more about Roger's work at https//rogercanaff.com👉 Subscribe for more conversations that shine a light on pressing social issues.👉 Share this episode to raise awareness and spark action. Artificial intelligence is transforming our world—but not always for the better. In this urgent episode of Lean To the Left, we explore how AI is fueling a disturbing rise in digital sexual exploitation, including the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse materials. Our guest, Roger Canaff—former New York City special victims prosecutor, author, educator, and survivor—shares his unparalleled insight into how predators are weaponizing AI to manipulate innocent images, evade detection, and create explicit content without consent. He also exposes the failures of tech companies, the challenges in our legal system, and the critical need for better enforcement and oversight. We discuss:✅ How AI-generated imagery is changing the landscape of exploitation✅ The legal and ethical challenges facing lawmakers and prosecutors✅ Why tech companies aren’t doing enough✅ The role of parents, communities, and policy in prevention✅ Signs of hope—and the growing movement toward education and reform This is a difficult but essential conversation. By understanding the threat, we can work together to protect vulnerable children, support survivors, and demand accountability from those who shape our digital world. Guest: Roger Canaff – Legal expert, advocate, and survivorLearn more about Roger's work at https//rogercanaff.com👉 Subscribe for more conversations that shine a light on pressing social issues.👉 Share this episode to raise awareness and spark action. CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:03 Roger Canaff's Journey and Motivation02:24 AI and Sexual Exploitation06:09 The Role of Social Media and Tech Companies09:09 Legal and Legislative Efforts12:12 Parental and Societal Responsibilities13:33 Trauma Responses and Victim Support18:45 Justice 3D and Training Initiatives23:42 Roger Canaff's Books and Contact Information25:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

27 MIN

NOV 22, 2025

The Plants Above Your Head: How Green Roofs Can Reshape Urban Living

What if the most powerful climate solution isn’t in some distant technology — but growing right above your head? In this episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast, host Bob Gatty sits down with Joshua Harrison, co-founder and chief strategy officer of Leaf Island, to explore how green roofs and nature-based design can radically reshape the way we live in cities. With more than 80% of Americans living in urban areas, rising heat, pollution, and climate vulnerability are intensifying. But Harrison explains how integrating nature into our built environment — from rooftops to walls — can cool cities, absorb carbon, reduce energy costs, and create healthier spaces for everyone. 🌿 Inside the episode: • Why green roofs are one of the most effective tools for fighting the urban heat island effect• How plants use evapotranspiration to naturally cool entire neighborhoods• The innovative way Leaf Island turns styrofoam waste into lightweight soil• What cities like Singapore, Paris, and Mexico City can teach the U.S. about urban greening• The surprising financial incentives for building owners• How green infrastructure can extend roof life, reduce emissions, and support biodiversity Harrison's message is simple and powerful: Cities don’t need to choose between modernity and nature — they can (and must) embrace both.This conversation reveals a future where green roofs are not a luxury, but a standard part of urban resilience and climate adaptation.👉 Learn more about Leaf Islandhttps://leafisland.org👉 Subscribe for more discussions on climate, politics & social justice.https://youtube.com/@leantotheleft CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to the Lean to the Left Podcast00:10 The Environmental Challenge of Urban Heat00:52 Introducing Joshua Harrison and Leaf Island01:38 The Concept and Benefits of Green Roofs03:17 Transforming Urban Spaces with Green Infrastructure08:23 Challenges and Solutions for Existing Buildings19:27 Global Examples of Green Infrastructure21:49 Incentives and Benefits for Building Owners24:08 Political and Environmental Perspectives27:59 The Center for the Study of Force Majeure30:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

33 MIN

NOV 17, 2025

The Liberal Challenge: How Liberals Can Finally Connect Effectively with Voters | Spencer Critchley

Why do liberals continue to struggle with political persuasion—even when the facts and policies are on their side? In this episode of Lean to the Left, host Bob Gatty sits down with author, strategist, and political thinker Spencer Critchley to explore why liberals often fail to connect emotionally with voters, and how they can turn that around. Drawing on his new Substack project, The Liberal Backbone, soon to become a published book, and his book Patriots of Two Nations, Spencer discusses: • The “Liberal Paradox” — how rational thinking blinds progressives to emotional reality• Why politics operates in the other 99% of human consciousness• How Trump and other populists use simple emotional cues to persuade• Why evidence-based arguments fail with many voters• The global crisis facing liberal democracy• How liberals can reclaim narrative, purpose, and connection• The importance of rhetoric, storytelling, and identity in political communication Spencer also explains why understanding—not dismissing—different perspectives is crucial for bridging America’s political divide. 🔹 About Spencer CritchleySpencer is the award-winning host of Dastardly Cleverness in the Service of Good, author of Patriots of Two Nations, and a respected political strategist who has worked with Barack Obama’s campaigns and numerous progressive organizations. Read The Liberal Backbone on Substack:https://spencercritchley.substack.comLearn more about his work:https://dastardlycleverness.com Read Patriots of Two Nations: https://amzn.to/4nXbLVK(Free audio book, Kindle and Paperback versions on sale) 🔹 About Lean to the LeftLean to the Left covers progressive politics, social justice, democracy, and the ongoing fight to hold Donald Trump and MAGA extremism accountable. Hosted by Bob Gatty.If you believe in democracy, dignity, and truth — this channel is for you.👉 Subscribe for more:YouTube.com/@LeantotheLeft

29 MIN

The Lean to the Left Podcast

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