Facts Over Fear

Darah Boucher of Planned Parenthood of Western PA joined me live to discuss the state of reproductive rights in the United States.In the United States today, the legal and practical landscape of abortion is dramatically different from what it was just a few years ago. After the Dobbs v. Jackson decision in 2022 which ended the federal constitutional right to abortion, individual states have adopted widely varying laws, ranging from near‑total bans to strong protections for access.In many places abortion remains legal and somewhat accessible, yet restrictions such as gestational limits, waiting periods, and travel burdens profoundly affect how, when and whether people can obtain care.This patchwork reality means that anyone seeking abortion care and the providers who serve them must navigate evolving legal, logistical and medical terrain. In light of this complexity, Darah and I discussed what rights we still have, where the work needs to be done and how do we undo this mess to ensure legal and safe access to essential healthcare like abortion for all who need and want it.And while things may look bleak, there is always HOPE when we join together and fight back to protect bodily autonomy and the right to determine our own destinies.Want to support Planned Parenthood of Western PA? Donate at https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-western-pennsylvania

Every year, thousands of mothers in the U.S. face preventable health complications simply because they have to go back to work too soon. Studies show that access to paid leave reduces postpartum depression, improves infant health, and even lowers maternal mortality rates.REALITY CHECK: The connection is clear: when we invest in paid leave, we invest in the health of mothers and babies.Here in Pennsylvania,the connection between maternal health and paid leave is especially urgent. With approximately one in four employed new mothers returning to work within just 10 days of giving birth, many are forced to choose between financial survival and health-recovery or bonding with their newborn.The state currently lacks a statewide, universal paid family and medical leave program, meaning a large share of new parents don’t receive wage replacement during the critical postpartum period.So what can we do? I chatted with Sara Jann Heinze, Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy at Maternity Care Coalition to learn more.  @MaternityCareToday  In Pennsylvania? Check out the Family Care Act for more information.Not in PA but want to learn more about the national push for paid leave at the federal level? I know we are currently in hell, but there will be a sunrise someday and when it rises, let’s make sure we get what we need and deserve for ourselves and our communities.

Last night, Desmond Price of Independent Thought joined me to explore the strangely lyrical timing of Dick Cheney’s demise, yes, the man himself allegedly clocked out just as blue victories swept the map. Coincidence? Maybe. Cosmic irony? Definitely.And now that Democrats have found their inspiration again, we must fight forward and think beyond this moment. What is possible?We discussed:The Death of Dick Cheney: “No hell is hot enough or eternal enough for Dick Cheney.” (My favorite line from The Nation.)Zohran Mamdani started polled at 1% when he began his bid for mayor of NYC. With his wife helping to lead the creative team behind the scenes, he pulled off the largest upset in political modern history. What does this mean for the rest of us? Can we recreate that magic in other spaces?Many other races from retaining judges in PA, to former roommates becoming governors in NJ and VA, have Democrats energized. We dissected some of these races and the impact on our collective psyche.And it wasn’t just “blue” states that won big on Tuesday night. Even change is coming to Mississippi, with Democrats breaking the supermajority the Republicans have held for 13 years. (Mississippi Free Press)We also had some fun at the end of the show and talked about movies we are watching right now for little levity. What are some of your favorites?

Thank you to Dr. Natalie Gentile, MD for joining me to discuss the future of public health in America. Every other week, we are diving into the news you need to know and breaking down the headlines to get straight to the facts.First up: 1. Texas vs. TylenolAG Ken Paxton is suing Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, claiming they misled pregnant Texans by marketing Tylenol as “safe” while hiding autism and ADHD risks.Science or spin?Dr. G. breaks down the the alleged link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and any correlation to autism.Paxton’s lawsuit lands as he courts conservative voters for a Senate run. The move echoes talking points from RFK Jr.and Donald Trump, both of whom have amplified autism-related health claims.If Texas wins, expect a wave of copycat suits targeting “safe for pregnancy” drug marketing. If it fails, it could reinforce the line between science-based regulation and political theater.And then… Are Alcohol and Red Meat Back on the Menu?As the government prepares to roll out newly updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, experts are raising alarms that the next round of guidance might miss or sideline key evidence about the health harms of alcohol and saturated fats from red meat and dairy.If the official guidelines adopt softer or more ambiguous wording on alcohol and saturated fats from dairy and meat, then public-health messaging may be undermined. Given the links to cancer and other diseases, skipping clear warnings or specific limits could cost in human health terms.We made sure to talk about: Vaccine bans in IdahoIn an unnerving move, Idaho Medical Freedom Act passed in Idaho bans nearly all entities, schools, employers, even private businesses, from requiring any vaccine or medical intervention as a condition of employment, admission or service.And finally, are lollipops the key to vaginal health?The Kardashians think so. Dr. G. has a different take. And I was just glad to find that you eat the lollipops…not insert them anywhere other than your mouth because with the Kardashians, you never know!The law marks a major win for the “health freedom” movement, led by activist Leslie Manookian, and is being pitched as a template for other states. Public-health experts warn the consequences could be serious: removing mandates may weaken protections against communicable diseases like measles and erode existing public-health infrastructure.But what is freedom in the context of public health? What do you think?And finally, are lollipops the key to vaginal health?The Kardashians think so. Dr. G. has a different take. And I was just glad to find that you eat the lollipops…not insert them anywhere other than your mouth because with the Kardashians, you never know!

When Trump Jokes About a Third Term, Believe HimTrump has made repeated public comments hinting that he might seek a third term as president — he’s said he’s “not joking” about it and claimed “there are methods” to make it happen. Steve Bannon, a key Trump ally, has publicly asserted there is a “plan” for Trump to serve again in 2028, and has urged people to “get accommodated” with that possibility.On the other side, Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House and a constitutional lawyer, said he has discussed the issue with Trump and sees no realistic path to such a move because amending the Constitution is a long process.Trump’s Policy Could Bring Medical Debt Back to Millions’ Credit ScoresThe Trump administration is preparing new guidance that would stop states from removing medical debt from consumers’ credit reports.Fifteen states like California, Colorado, and Maine have already passed laws limiting how medical debt is reported.But under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, state laws that affect broad areas of credit reporting can be overridden. That’s the stance of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which outlined the interpretation in a rule set for publication Tuesday, first reported by The Lever and Bloomberg Law.Is this a form of indentured servitude when you cannot extract yourself from this debt?AI Lets ICE Spy on Social Media Like Never BeforeICE has signed a five‑year, $5.7 million contract via procurement documents for licenses to use the AI‑driven social‑media monitoring platform Zignal Labs. JacobinZignal Labs’ technology claims to process over 8 billion public social media posts per day, in more than 100 languages, using machine learning, computer vision and optical character recognition to generate “curated detection feeds”.The tool is already used by military/intelligence customers (including the Israeli military and the U.S. Department of Defense) and this marks the first public indication that ICE is now using it.Civil‑liberties groups warn that ICE’s contract means social media posts can be openly surveilled, geolocated, and used to trigger investigations, creating major risks for free speech, immigrant communities, activists, and anyone posting online.Because this surveillance can be near‑real time and at massive scale, the article argues that the contract isn’t just about “monitoring criminals,” it signals a shift toward broad social media dragnet capabilities being used for enforcement, not just investigation.Why does this matter?All Eyes on VenezuelaPresident Trump has ramped up U.S. military and covert‑action efforts targeting Venezuela, linking the Maduro regime to major drug trafficking operations and declaring the U.S. in “armed conflict” with narco‑terrorist groups operating via Venezuelan territory.The U.S. has conducted strikes on vessels off Venezuelan waters, deployed significant naval and air assets in the Caribbean, and authorized covert activities by the CIA in the region.Maduro’s government has responded by mobilizing militias, declaring “maximum preparedness,” and warning of serious retaliation, framing U.S. actions as aggression and attempts at regime change.Why it matters:This marks a significant escalation in U.S.–Venezuela relations, moving beyond sanctions and diplomacy into more direct military and covert‑action territory.The legal and geopolitical implications are major: the U.S. may be operating without clear congressional authorization, raising questions about oversight and international law.The situation could destabilize the region, draw in other powers, and risk unintended conflict as Venezuela braces itself and warns of reactionAre you worried this will be war?

This was recorded on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 but I wanted to hold it until today because TODAY, Nov. 7, the Supreme Court justices are meeting behind closed doors to decide whether to take a swing at marriage equality again; a longshot bid that’s rattling advocates and testing the Court’s promise to leave Obergefell untouched.I talked with Sophia Zoe Kilmer, attorney and human rights activist, about the impact this could have, how you can take measures to protect your marriage and your gender identity and how to prepare for what could come next.

There’s been a lot of political debate this fall about whether voters should keep or remove #pennsylvania state Supreme Court justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht.But one question doesn’t get talked about much: if voters decide to let them go on November 4th, then what happens next?Ken Martin, Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), joined me for an interview to discuss the party’s future, with a focus on two key races: #zohranmamdani ’s bid for #newyorkcity mayor and Abigail Spanberger’s run for governor of Virginia.

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video with Desmond Price of Independent Thought!We dissected the recent analysis from The Guardian, featuring a scathing critique of former Vice President Kamala Harris’ new book: 107 Days. Have you read it? What did you think?During our discussion we touched on a few things:Why didn’t she try to differentiate herself from President Biden, who had such terrible approval ratings at the time? We understand she was still VP and had a line to walk, but there were so many issues (from the price of eggs to Gaza) that could have been easy to use to her advantage. Why didn’t she?Why did her campaign (which was strong at first) take such a hard right turn? Why do Democrats always think they have to appeal to Republicans and those who won’t vote for them? Why don’t they work on energizing their own base and even pushing further left?Former Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, was her dream running mate. This annoyed me as I had interviewed Gov. Tim Walz during the election and felt as though her team could have utilized him so much more effectively if they would have just let him be himself out on the campaign trail. Why did they hide him away when he was such an asset?Did the genocide in Gaza cost her the election? That conversation were at a fever pitch during her bid for the presidency. But was that the REAL or only reason she lost?Desmond and I discuss how misogynoir played a role in the election, and that with only 107 days to campaign, she actually made up a lot of ground and closed the gap between voters. It was not a landslide and the swing state margins were all under 5%. So what could have made the difference?Is it time for a change in Democratic leadership? It’s possible that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) may make a bid for the presidency in 2028 or even the Senate, going up against a fellow New Yorker, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, 74, who will be up for re-election in 2028.Is Zohran Mamdani the new face of the Democratic Party or a flash in the pan? We discuss the issues that matter to the new generation of voters as people struggle to provide for themselves and their families.Thank you to everyone who joined us and stay tuned for more written pieces and interviews for my Facts Over Fear newsletter.

Our rights are being trampled on by the Trump regime, ICE, and the federal agents willing to carry out its agenda without question. This is not law and order. It’s authoritarianism under the guise of national security. And for what? To silence prayer? To crush peaceful dissent?On October 6, I spoke with Sister Sue Fazzini, a Benedictine Sister who has spent her life in service to others. We discussed her deep concerns about what’s being done in the name of Christianity and how far it strays from the teachings of compassion, justice, and love that she’s dedicated her life to living out.While I am not religious myself, I believe it is important that we listen to other people’s perspectives about religion and why this fascist regime attempting to mutate Christianity to fit a pro-capitalistic, pro-state sanctioned violence in the name of freedom is so incredibly dangerous.Our only hope to survive what comes next is to band together across racial, economic and religious divides and stand against tyranny in all of its forms. Because if you think your religious beliefs will save you, think again.On a quiet September morning outside an ICE facility near Chicago, Reverend David Black, a Presbyterian minister and leader of the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago, stood with his arms outstretched in prayer.Black told The Guardian newspaper that ICE agents hit him in the head, face, torso, arms and legs with around seven or eight “pepper exploding pellets” while he was in a position of prayer.Now, he’s suing the Trump administration.He added: “I’m not a political ideologue, but I am very deeply rooted in my faith, in the ways that it calls me to show up in this moment as someone who can proclaim the good news and call these ICE agents into their right mind.”Seconds later, agents on the street spray him with tear gas. The same tear gas that is illegal for use in warfare but is legally permitted for use by law enforcement for domestic riot control in the United StatesThe incident took place on September 19, 2025, in Broadview, Illinois, and has since sparked national attention. Not just for what happened, but for what it could mean for protest rights, religious freedom, and the use of force by federal agents.Why did this happen?Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, has defended the agent’s actions. According to her, the protesters were “agitators” who were blocking an ICE vehicle from leaving the premises.DHS claims officers issued verbal warnings and were responding to objects including rocks, bottles, even fireworks being thrown at them.But Black tells a different story.He says he wasn’t throwing anything or blocking any vehicles. He was simply praying and was never given a warning before they shot him repeatedly. The lawsuit now filed on his behalf paints a picture of excessive force and a clear violation of constitutional rights.The case argues that the actions of ICE and other federal agents violated the First Amendment, religious freedom protections, and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.REALITY CHECK: This isn’t just about Black. The lawsuit includes multiple plaintiffs who say their rights were similarly trampled in the name of “security.”A federal judge has already taken a step toward reining in the situation. Shortly after the incident, the court issued a temporary order limiting the kinds of tactics federal agents can use against protesters at this site. A more in-depth hearing preliminary is set for October 23.At a time when protest, policing, and religious expression are colliding more frequently in the public square, cases like this one don’t just affect those directly involved. They set precedents. They raise uncomfortable questions. And they force us to reckon with who gets to speak, who gets to pray and who gets shot for doing so.More to come after the October 23 hearing. Stay tuned.What do you think?

NOTE: This video is spliced from two interview segments recorded on Sept. 29 about 20 minutes apart as we had a tech issue in the middle of recording.FACE OUR FEARS: Public health in America is under assault.…And not just from disease, but from politics, disinformation, and cultural division. Once grounded in science and consensus, the field now finds itself entangled in fierce ideological battles.Gun violence is treated as a political issue rather than a public health crisis, despite its staggering death toll. Efforts to provide gender-affirming care are labeled as dangerous, even as medical consensus supports them.Meanwhile, viral misinformation, like the debunked claim linking Tylenol use in pregnancy to autism spreads like a cancer, unchecked, eroding trust in science and institutions.These aren’t isolated debates; they’re part of a broader war over what public health is, who it serves, and who gets to define truth. Dr. Natalie Gentile, MD joined me for another important conversation around our institutions and why standing up for public health is more important than ever before.Thank you to everyone who joined us and stay tuned for more written pieces and interviews for my Facts Over Fear newsletter.