Rosie’s path as a comedienne has not been all comedy. Last July, President Trump said this about her:

“Because of the fact that Rosie O’Donnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship. She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

Funny, until you realize how scary it is.

I asked her about that, and about other aspects of her personal journey. Rosie is definitely a legend in her own time, not only for her comedy but for her bravery at such a time as this.

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Subscribe to Rosie’s Substack at RosieODonnell.Substack.com

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How fortunate we are to have his wisdom among us. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.

You can learn more about Ron at RonGaran.com.
You can subscribe to his Susbtack at RonGaran.Substack.com.

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Get more from Marianne Williamson in the Substack app

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Deeyah Khan one of the most significant documentary filmmakers in the world. She’s also one of the great peacebuilders of our time. She shows us the humanity of even those with whom who think we have nothing in common, building bridges where we thought that none could be built. She shows us there’s another way

She has won two Emmys, a BAFTA, an RTS and two Peabody Awards in over a decade of making films that deal with such polarizing issues as extremism, violence against women, inequality, racism and social exclusion. The Times of London has called her “one of the bravest, most indomitable women... facing down bullies and extremists with intelligence and unflinching spirit”.

She has filmed with battle-hardened jihadis, members of armed militia groups, American domestic terrorists and white supremacists, with incisive, illuminating and often surprising results. After spending a number of months filming with members of the United States’ largest neo-Nazi organisation, including filming them on their notoriously violent march through Charlottesville in 2017, three high-ranking figures, including the leader, left the movement and rejected its white supremacist ideology. All of them credit their encounters with Deeyah as the catalyst for them to leave an extremist movement.

I think Deeyah’s wonderful, I feel honored to call her a friend, and I was glad to have the chance to talk to her for an extended interview. I hope you receive as much from listening to her as I do. Enjoy!

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Learn more about Deeyah’s Films

America’s Veterans: The War Within

Behind the Rage: America’s Domestic Violence

America’s War on Abortion

Muslim in Trump’s America

White Right: Meeting the Enemy

Banaz: A love Story

Jihad: A Story of the Others

Islam’s Non-Believers

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I knew some basics about Paine, including his pamphlet Common Sense and what a pivotal role it played in the American Revolution. Given current events I’ve had a heightened sense of Paine’s relevance to our situation in America today, and wanted to sit down with Harvey to hear more.

Of all Paine’s extraordinary quotes, this is my favorite:

These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; it would be strange indeed if so celestial article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.

— Common Sense

The spirits of many of our great historical figures are speaking to us now, with guidance that lights our paths today. More and more, it serves us to listen. Who would have thought that knowing history could be such a powerful tool?

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Harvey J Kaye is Professor Emeritus of Democracy and Justice at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and a member of the American Federation of Teachers. An award winning author and editor of 18 books — including THOMAS PAINE AND THE PROMISE OF AMERICA, THE FIGHT FOR THE FOUR FREEDOMS, and FDR ON DEMOCRACY — and he’s currently coauthoring a book with Alan Minsky of Progressive Democrats of America to be titled: SAVING DEMOCRACY: THE CASE FOR A 21C ECONOMIC BILL OF RIGHTS.

Thank you, Harvey!

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Well, that was then and this now.

Not only is a group of American tech multi-billionaires now plundering the U.S. economy, but they are doing so for more than economic purposes. More sinister is what they are really after: not just economic, but societal change. They’re committed to using their vast economic resources to essentially rewrite the American contract. They find democracy itself inconvenient to their long term economic goals, which is why they support Trump’s agenda to basically destroy American democracy and turn it into something else. It should be replaced, in their view, by a corporate authoritarianism that takes a sledgehammer to our Constitutional, rules-based order.

Of the people, by the people, for the people? Oh, silly you. How quaint that you believe in all that.

If you ever wonder who exactly this gang is comprised of - what they’re doing and what their goals are - then you’ll be interested in Jacob Silverman’s book, GILDED RAGE: Elon Musk and the Radicalization of Silicon Valley. It’s a fascinating and easy read, though at one point I honestly stopped for a moment and thought I might get sick. Certain books are essential reading for those seeking to understand what the hell is going on these days. I would consider this book one of them and I admire Silverman for writing it.

At times like this, reading a book can be a revolutionary act. We should always remember that information is power.

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Silverman is an independent journalist living in New York. He is the co-author of the New York Times best seller Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud, and the author of Terms of Service: Social Media and the Price of Constant Connection. Gilded Rage: Elon Musk and the Radicalization of Silicon Valley is his latest book.

JacobSilverman.com

More about Gilded Rage: https://linktr.ee/gildedrage

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Jesus, of course, was neither oppressor nor hater nor promoter of theocracy. There are those who claim to speak for him at times, however, who are all of those things. One of the primary forces behind Project 2025 is a political movement called Christian Nationalism. Christian Nationalism speaks not of the teachings of Jesus - feeding the hungry, helping the poor, healing the sick, and kindness to the stranger. Their vision is not about love, but power - specifically a version of power that transgresses basic American Constitutional principles (subjugation of women, primacy of Christianity over other religions, and more).

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Progressive Christians are rising up in response, bringing into the theological as well as political spheres a message that is much needed at this time. Theirs is a Jesus of the Gospels, recognizing that loving one another is indeed the salvation of the world.

My guest in this interview is Brian Recker, author of HELL BENT: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love. Recker, a former Evangelical pastor, is an influential figure in the Christian Deconstructionist Movement. He explains a journey taken by millions of Christians in America today. who feel strongly that a Jesus of love, not retribution, should guide our hearts.

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Website: BrianRecker.com
Substack: BrianRecker.Substack.com
Instagram: @berecker

My video today is a conversation with public theologian Brandan Robertson, in which he gives answers to many of the questions I’ve had about this movement. Who are they? What do they stand for? What is their connection to far right wing conservative politics? And what is their plan for America’s future?

A genuinely progressive Christianity, harkening back to the love of Jesus and its relevance to our individual as well as collective lives, is being powerfully articulated by such speakers as Robertson. Thankfully, progressive Christians are not quiet right now. Their numbers are growing, and they’re speaking up.

I hope you find the interview interesting. It’s critically important that we understand what’s going on.

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Rev. Brandan Robertson is a noted author, activist, and public theologian, dedicated to exploring the intersections of spirituality, sexuality, and social justice. He serves as the Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church in New York City and is the founder and Executive Director of The Devout Foundation. Known as the “TikTok Pastor,” Robertson’s inclusive theological content has garnered 10 million views. He has authored, contributed to, or edited 23 books, including the INDIES Book of the Year finalist True Inclusion. His work has been featured in TIME Magazine, CNN, and The Washington Post. Robertson is a sought-after speaker who regularly presents at prestigious platforms like The White House and Oxford University, continuing to inspire and challenge audiences around the world. Robertson acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute, an Master of Theological Study from Iliff School of Theology, and an Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from Eastern Illinois University. He’s presently pursuing a PhD in Biblical Studies at Drew University. He currently resides in New York City.

Brandan’s latest book is Queer and Christian: Reclaiming the Bible, Our Faith and Our Place at the Table

Brandan’s Links

• Brandan’s Website

• Brandan’s TikTok:

• Brandan’s Facebook

• Brandan’s Instagram

• Brandan’s Twitter

• Brandan’s Substack

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In a properly functioning democracy, the U.S. government - as part of its mandate to protect the common good - would regulate corporate behavior to insure profits were never placed before the safety, health and well-being of people and planet. Yeah, well….that would be nice. Beginning in the 1980’s, our government began to promote corporate interests too often at the expense of our well-being. In area after area, corporate profits became America’s bottom line.

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More and more Americans realize this now. We need a world in which the safety, health and well-being of our children takes precedence over an economic trickle-down theory of economics. This is a fundamental way in which we’ve gone astray, and one of the ways in which in time we will self-correct.

My guest today is Bill Freese, science director at Center for Food Safety (CFS), a non-profit organization that supports sustainable agriculture and opposes harmful food production technologies.

Take care. Stay informed. We’re going to create a more beautiful world.

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You can find out more at:

General website: https://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/victories

https://www.thenewlede.org/2025/09/epa-has-failed-us-the-maha-commission-just-proved-it/

https://www.thenewlede.org/2024/04/an-herbicide-so-hazardous-that-courts-have-banned-it-twice/

https://www.thenewlede.org/2024/10/epa-not-protecting-public-from-neonic-exposure-analysis-suggests/

President Trump chooses to extend financial support for the Israeli effort. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio says “It’s their war,” many would argue that it is Israel’s war - and ours. My interview today is with Arab-American political advocate Raed Jarrar, who argues that without our help Netanyahu could not continue his military rampage.

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According to Jarrar, one phone call from Trump could stop this, and there are various theories as to why he’s not willing to do so. Whatever his reason, the war continues to be an unending source of pain and suffering or the Palestinian people. Despite protests all over the world - including 500,000 Israelis on the streets of Tel Aviv - the incursion into Gaza City only amps up a war in which there appears to be no endgame.

Israel is America’s ally, to be sure, but our highest alliance must be with humanity itself. In the Declaration of Independence, it says that “all men are created equal.” That does not mean just all Americans, or all of America’s friends. I believe God created us as One and loves us as One. Our job on earth is to learn to love as God loves.

I hope my conversation with Raed gives you much to consider. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Find out more about Raed here.

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You get the drift.

Ultimately the Anonymous author revealed himself to be Miles Taylor, a former chief of staff at the US. Department of Homeland Security. Having worked in the Bush administration as well, Taylor knew how things were supposed to work in the White House - and how they were not supposed to work. He followed up A Warning with another bestseller, Blowback, in which he described what would happen in a worst case scenario during a second Trump term.

Most of those things have already occurred.

In today’s interview, Taylor told me it’s now “time to engage in some radical thinking.” He said we need a massive movement of non-violent resistance unlike anything America has ever seen.

I’ve admired Taylor’s writing, his courage, and his continued call to the American people to wake up before it’s too late. If Paul Revere were alive today, he'd be called Miles Taylor.

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Find out more about him here:

MilesTaylor.Substack.com

End Presidential Revenge: The legal defense fund to end presidential revenge against Miles Taylor & others

BOOKS:

Blowback: A Warning to Save Democracy from Trump's Revenge

A Warning

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My interview today is with author and SiriusXM radio host John Fugelsang. John articulates a moving rebuttal to the Christian Nationalist message, emphasizing true Christian values such as service to the poor, healing the sick, and welcoming the stranger in our midst.

John’s new book, SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND HATE: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, is a great primer in speaking up for what the New Testament really says.

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An organization he founded called RESULTS is a citizen lobby dedicated to creating the political will to end poverty and hunger. His work has literally saved people’s lives. He founded and now leads Civic Courage, providing all of us the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people we will never even know.

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Sam’s book Reclaiming Our Democracy is a testament to what’s possible when citizens are engaged in the democratic process. Working through Civic Courage, Daley Harris and his volunteers have led successful efforts to block some of the draconian budget cuts in the Trump agenda, forming a bulwark against their cruelest effects.

He is an important leader for such a time as this.

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1. It’s here and it’s not going anyplace. The world will never be the same.

2. It’s extremely convenient to use at times, though people should realize that sometimes it lies.

3. The environmental damage it causes is huge.

4. In the hands of corporations like Palintir, it’s already being used for what could be government control and totalitarian purposes.

5. The conversation we’re having about it as a society is morally and ethically inadequate to the challenges it poses for the human race.

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   I asked Brian O’Kelley, co-founder of AppNexus and Scope3, to help us start to figure all this out. It’s not a conversation we should leave in the hands of those who’ve proven themselves careless about the fate of our democracy or our species.

   Also, Brian will join me for a zoom call with paid subscribers on Thursday night, 5pmPT and 8pm ET. We’ll be sending you the link! So think of your questions and lets have the conversation.

   This one literally affects us all.

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From deporting innocent citizens to criminalizing homelessness, America’s government today is breaking laws and normalizing cruelty. Tens of thousands of America’s unhoused population work part or even full time. Many have children. When homeless encampments are removed and people’s belongings trashed, how are those people to keep their jobs? How are the children to go to school? The level of trauma being inflicted on people is something beyond what any person of conscience should be willing to tolerate.

I asked Jesse Rabinowitz, Campaign and Communications Director at National Homelessness Law Center, to help explain what’s happening and what we can do about it. Please support a bill currently before Congress that would actually help solve the problem. Make calls. Spread the word. Make noise.

Cruelty is evil. We must not give in.

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No one need feel helpless in the face of Trump’s onslaught, because there’s a lot we can do. But We the People need to do it. Beto’s organization POWERED BY PEOPLE is doing exactly what needs to be done to help protect the midterms in Texas and elsewhere.

It doesn’t matter what state you live in or who you are: if they’re transgressing against liberty anywhere, they’re transgressing against you.

This isn’t a moment to take our feet off the gas…not even for a moment. We’re moved from “threat” to our democracy to full on on-going attack on our democracy. Generations not even born yet will register whether or not we show up for this moment of truth.

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Wake up. Rise up. And remember what my father used to say: “Don’t let the bastards get you down.”

I’ll gladly interview Congressional candidates who offer hope for real change in Washington. Today’s conversation is with J.D. Scholten of Iowa. J.D., now an Iowa State legislator, decided to jump into the race when he saw Senator Joni Ernst’s response to a constituent who complained that the Medicare cuts will cause people to die. She said, “Well, we all are going to die.” She then doubled down with a sarcastic apology that was pretty shocking even by today’s low standards. Wow.

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I hope you enjoy my talk with J.D. Washington will be a much better place if Scholten win this race, and I can give a personal endorsement that he’s a really, really, really good guy.

Here’s J.D’s website. If you enjoy the interview, I hope you’ll throw in some support.

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I did an interview you might enjoy. Relationships, sociopaths and spirituality are the topics covered in my conversation with author Arielle Ford about her latest book, “The Love Thief.”

The book is coming out this week, and if you find the interview compelling you can check it out at at www.thelovethief.com. It’s based on a true story and captures insights very relevant to the times in which we live.

Enjoy!