<p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">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.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">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.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The conversation digs into:</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">• How corporate power influences environmental and energy policy</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">• The weaponization of patriotism to justify environmental harm</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">• The outsized political role of West Virginia figures like Joe Manchin</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">• The personal and political cost of documenting environmental injustice</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">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.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">👉 Subscribe to Lean to the Left for in-depth conversations that challenge power, expose injustice, and inspire action.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">CHAPTERS:</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">00:00 Introduction to the Lean to the Left Podcast</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">00:18 Meet the Filmmakers: Babette Hogan and Julie Eisenberg</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">01:52 The Story Behind 'Running for the Mountains'</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">02:34 Challenges and Risks in Filmmaking</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">07:51 Political Landscape and Environmental Impact</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">09:43 The Role of Patriotism and National Politics</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">12:19 Joe Manchin's Influence and National Implications</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">16:23 Environmental Devastation in West Virginia</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">20:32 Film Distribution and Accessibility</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">21:45 Personal Reflections and Future Plans</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">25:26 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts</span></p>