Facts Over Fear

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.

According to a recent article from Pittsburgh's PublicSource, Al data center growth raises Pittsburgh-area hopes, but job gains and community benefits aren't guaranteed.So what do we know about the anticipated impact of Al data centers on the labor market and on communities in Western Pennsylvania?Eric Jankiewicz of PublicSource runs through the issues, from workforce shortages and job losses to community benefits agreements in today's Facts Over Fear.

FACE OUR FEARS: Mike Johnson wants to silence us.Did you know that Mike Johnson is terrified of ANTIFA? For those who may not know, it just means anti-fascist. Yes, Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, is afraid of people who stand against fascism. So much so that he went on a mini-rant about it. We break down what scares him and why he believes the No Kings Protest, happening all over the nation on Oct. 18, is “anti-American.” Do you agree?Next up, Desmond and I took a trip around the world, making stops in Ukraine, Russia and Taiwan to discuss the following international stories.Kremlin Warns of “Dramatic” Escalalation as Trump Mulls Long-Range Missiles for UkrainePresident Donald Trump has threatened to send long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine unless Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to a peace settlement. The Kremlin called the threat “extremely concerning,” warning of rising tensions. The warning follows a Financial Times report revealing the U.S. is secretly aiding Ukraine with intelligence to strike Russian energy targets. As winter nears, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid, launching over 3,100 drones, 92 missiles, and 1,360 glide bombs in the past week, according to Kyiv.Taiwan to build air defence dome against ‘hostile threats’Taiwan will build a dome-like air defense system to counter “hostile threats,” President William Lai announced, a day after warning of China’s growing military capabilities. While Lai did not name China, he stressed the need to boost defense spending, a likely nod to increased Chinese incursions and invasion drills near the island. The issue remains divisive in Taiwan, with public opinion split on how to respond to Beijing’s pressure.Desmond and I took different stances on this situation. Do you think the United States should back Taiwan if China tries to invade? Share your thoughts.Does Gov. Walz stand with Minnesotans or with BlackRock?If Minnesota Power falls into BlackRock’s hands, higher bills, less accountability, and broken promises could be part of the governor’s legacyA $6.2 billion takeover bid by BlackRock‑owned Global Infrastructure Partners and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board to take Minnesota utility ALLETE private has triggered fierce pushback. Opponents warn the deal could drive up rates, undermine reliability, and compromise clean‑energy goals. An Administrative Law Judge issued a scathing report recommending denial, citing risks and undisclosed ties between pro‑deal supporters and Minnesota Power.Despite this, Minnesota’s Department of Commerce recently struck a surprise settlement endorsing the acquisition, with conditions on service standards, rate caps, and board representation. Critics accuse the department of flip‑flopping under political influence. The PUC now faces a contentious decision, while some see the outcome as a precedent for private equity’s future role in public utilities.Are you concerned about private equity taking over public utilities?And for fun, Desmond and I shared some of our favorite (or in his case LEAST favorite) spooky movie that we are watching right now in honor of Halloween. Which will you be watching?

Thank you to Pittsburgh-based musician Mark Dignam for joining today’s show. His performance as part of “Songs for Gaza” couldn’t be more timely, as the region once again hangs in the balance.On Monday, the final 20 remaining Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, were returned as part of a prisoner exchange. In return, Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees, many of them long held without trial. In Gaza, families flooded hospital courtyards, most weeping as buses rolled in carrying their loved ones home.It was a rare moment of relief.But a ceasefire, however fragile, is not peace. It’s not safety. And it’s not enough.As aid agencies scramble to deliver desperately needed supplies, UNICEF warns the crisis is far from over. Bombs may have stopped falling for the moment, but children are still starving. Disease is still spreading. The blockade must end if humanitarian efforts are to succeed.“Even though we have a ceasefire…the humanitarian crisis continues. We still have a famine to fight,” said UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram who spoke by phone to the Guardian from Gaza.Tens of thousands of tons of food, water, and medicine are staged in Egypt and Jordan. Under the terms of the current agreement, roughly 600 truckloads of aid per day are supposed to enter Gaza. But only if Israel follows through.That will depend in part on whether Israel now adheres to provisions of Trump’s 20-point plan, which includes a commitment that aid be allowed into Gaza “without interference.”History gives us every reason to be skeptical.The ceasefire must hold. The aid must flow. The dignity and survival of millions depend on it.So what can we do to help locally when these issues seem so big and overwhelming?Mark Dignam joined me to discuss.“Songs for Gaza” is a fundraising concert in Pittsburgh on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at The Original Pittsburgh Winery, featuring local musicians like Bill Toms, Phat Man Dee, and André Costello.The event will raise funds for World Central Kitchen’s famine relief efforts in Gaza. Tickets are available online, and a Venmo option is provided for donations, so even if you can’t attend or aren’t local to Pittsburgh, you can help support efforts to feed those in need. Details below:Event: “Songs for Gaza” fundraising concertDate: Saturday, November 1, 2025Time: Doors at 7 PM, show at 8 PMLocation: The Original Pittsburgh Winery, 2809 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PAPerformers: Bill Toms, Phat Man Dee, André Costello, Kelsey Jumper, Mark Dignam, Liz McBride, Lauren DeMichiei, David Dickinson, Abbey Martin, and Art DonskyBeneficiary: World Central Kitchen for Gaza famine reliefTickets: Available at etix.comDonations: Can be made via Venmo to SONGSFORGAZA

Fascism has come to America, must like those who prophesied it would: “wrapped in the flag and carrying the bible,” a sentiment often attributed to Sinclair Lewis’s It Can’t Happen Here. Fascist movements historically exploit patriotism and religion to consolidate power and we are seeing that in real time right here in our country.By exploiting powerful, well-known symbols, such a movement is able to mask its authoritarian nature and appear to be a legitimate defense of national values. But the veil has been dropped. We see who is behind the curtain from Elon Musk to Peter Thiel and the carnage they have left behind. America, we don’t have to live like this.We don’t have to live in a world where gun violence isn’t just an every day occurrence, but something we scroll past and shrug off because thoughts and prayers are the only thing our elected officials are willing to give. Where people are under attack for their gender identity or race. Where they are disappearing off of our streets for simply “looking” different from what is now deemed acceptable.Where our air and water are making us sick, where our lack of healthcare and access to paid leave prevent us from living full and healthy lives. Where time with family and friends is a luxury because our wages don’t pay the bills. Where a shadow government operates behind algorithms and bots set up to create hatred between us.We can change this. Do you agree?We can either have a billionaire class — or democracy. So how do we fight the powerful ruling class that thinks they can win no matter what? To do that, Hunter Dunn, national press coordinator of the 50501 movement believes peaceful mass protest is the way.We discussed why this is a viable strategy, how this movement grew so quickly, the wins we’ve already witnessed from collective organizing and why people are taking to the streets for their friends, neighbors and strangers they may never meet.Tune in for more:How Hunter became involved with anti-fascist social movements.The origins of the 50501 movement (Reddit for the win!)Why fascism is anti-American and needs to be squashed.What are the reasons 50501 and other movements are growing. (ICE, ICE baby.)How you can get involved.Thank you to everyone who watched us live and join me for more interviews, commentaries and news updates as Facts Over Fear continues to grow!

FACE OUR FEARS: Trans people exist. Trump would rather they didn’t.The Federal Bureau of Investigation is reportedly preparing to categorize transgender people as “violent extremists,” a categorization supported by organizations affiliated with Project 2025, including the Heritage Foundation. (them.us)According to a September 18 report by independent journalist Ken Klippenstein, two anonymous national security officials said that the Bureau is discussing treating trans subjects as a subset of its new threat category, “Nihilistic Violent Extremists” (NVEs), which was created earlier this year.The Bureau defines “Nihilistic Violent Extremism” as “criminal conduct… in furtherance of political, social, or religious goals that derive primarily from a hatred of society at large and a desire to bring about its collapse by sowing indiscriminate chaos.”What do you think about the Trump regime’s plan to erase trans people from our society one executive order and policy at a time with the help from his friends at the Heritage Foundation?I discussed these issues with ⁠Sophia Zoe Kilmer⁠, human rights attorney and trans rights activist:What is the OBSESSION the right seems to have with trans people?Let’s talk about this FBI categorization. Why is this not only dangerous but just false?At least a dozen hoaxes have claimed trans people were responsible for mass shootings and other incidents since 2012. In reality, there is no evidence suggesting significant patterns of violence committed by trans people. In 2024, The Gun Violence Archive’s Executive Director, Mark Bryant, said that out of 5,000 mass shootings tracked by the archive, the number of trans or LGBTQ+ suspects is in “the single digit numbers.” Discuss…And speaking of false, the Heritage Foundation is also claiming that trans people are behind 50% of school shootings, after only being able to name four actual cases…ZERO of which were motivated by anti-trans sentiments). They are calling it Transgender Ideology-Inspired Violent Extremism (TIVE) Discuss…The Heritage Foundation also shared terminology that is used including the words cisgender, deadnaming, “right to exist,” misgendering… the list goes on. Why is it dangerous that they are trying to vilify words like “cis” and phrases like “right to exist?” This had my alarm bells going off.How does all of this connect back to the rise of fascism? Can you define that term and how the vilification of trans people fits into the narrative that the Trump regime is pushing around who has the right to exist and who does not?Trump is also asking the Supreme Court to block trans people from changing their gender markers on passports. What does this mean and why is this concerning to you? Can he even legally do this?As always, please take care of yourselves and each other.In solidarity,Natalie

Thank you to Dr. Natalie Gentile, MD, direct care physician, co-owner of Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh and owner of Rebel Wellness, who shared her perspective on our broken healthcare system and what we can do to build trust with our physicians again.Why are so many doctors experiencing burn-out and is this a symptom of a larger systemic issue that could prevent people from entering this important and necessary field?Why is there an uptick in vaccine hesitancy and how is this causing a drop in herd immunity of viruses we haven’t seen in decades or more.Natalie Gentile, MD, direct care physician, co-owner of Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh and owner of Rebel Wellness, who shared her perspective on our broken healthcare system and what we can do to build trust with our physicians again.We discussed:Why are so many doctors experiencing burn-out and is this a symptom of a larger systemic issue that could prevent people from entering this important and necessary field?Why is there an uptick in vaccine hesitancy and how is this causing a drop in herd immunity of viruses we haven’t seen in decades or more.We know that RFK Jr. is completely unqualified to run the CDC. How have the decisions he’s made since taking control eroded public trust in the organization and what are doctors doing to counteract his false and dangerous narratives?What would actually help to Make America Healthy Again? Try access to quality care when you need it, a reduction in inequities as well as clean water, air and affordable produce.Instead, we are getting a hike in our healthcare insurance premiums, not just in Pennsylvania but around the nation, which is unsustainable and will prevent more people from accessing medical services when they need them most.What’s on your plate that you would like us to discuss next time? We plan on having regular conversations around public health and wellness every month, so please stay tuned and share your thoughts with us in the comments below.As always, please take care of yourselves and each other.In solidarity,Natalie

FACE OUR FEARS: Last night I went live with Frzy to discuss the two men found hanging in separate cases in Mississippi on Monday, September 15, 2025. I have an update on that story that is not reflected in the video above because the news cycle moves so quickly.As it pertains to Demartravion “Trey” Reed, 21, his family is demanding an independent investigation and autopsy after they reported that the police first told them he was found dead in his dorm room. Reed was found hanging from a tree on his campus at Delta State University in Mississippi. Why is there a discrepancy?At a press event at Living Faith Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ in Grenada late Tuesday afternoon, Vanessa J. Jones of the Jones Law Firm, who is representing the Reed family, told the media that the family is still waiting for answers.“ If this young man was on the campus of Delta State University with all these cameras and all this modern technology, from the moment he left his dorm room or entered the campus, there should be surveillance of all his actions,” Jones said. “That’s what we want. Bring the surveillance, bring the cameras so that we’ll know exactly what happened.”Jones did not allege that Reed’s death had been violent, but demanded a full and independent investigation. “We’re not here to point fingers—yet. But we will have answers. The possible constitutional violations of releasing Trey’s name to the media immediately after it happened—we’ll get to that. But for now, the family is asking for answers.” (Mississippi Free Press)We also talked about the body of 35-year-old Cory Zukatis who was found hanging from a tree in a wooded area off of Washington Street in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on Monday afternoon. Zukatis was from Brandon, Mississippi.“It was a white male in a wooded area where people who live there are homeless and on drugs,” Warren County Coroner Doug L. Huskey told the Mississippi Free Press on Tuesday morning when asked for details. “He is homeless. I talked to his family.”The coroner said he would not speculate about whether foul play was involved or if the death was a suicide.Frzy and I discussed the fact that not only are Black and brown community members scared for their lives, but also our unhoused community members are being vilified, as well, because of this current political climate. We have hosts on Fox News saying that the homeless should be involuntarily euthanized if they refuse treatment. When we continue to dehumanize people, we will see the consequences of that rhetoric play out in real time. We stand with his loved ones in seeking answers to what happened to Cory.We also discussed:Why are HBCUs under attack following Charlie Kirk’s murder?Why are organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center facing scrutiny following Charlie Kirk’s murder by Trump and Vance?Why did Vance guest host Charlie Kirk’s podcast following his murder? It is weird that a sitting Vice President would use his government office to host a podcast. Kirk’s seat isn’t even cold yet.Do we have free speech in America? Apparently not if you dare speak out against Kirk or any of the Trump regime.Which story hit home for you?

Dr. Angelique Corthals, associate professor of biomedicine and pathology at the City University of New York, joined me to discuss the COVID-19 vaccines, what we know so far and why the CDC has lost the trust of health professionals and the public.The Food and Drug Administration approved the next round of COVID-19 vaccines Wednesday, but imposed new restrictions on who's eligible to get them.The agency is limiting the updated shots to people who are at risk for serious complications because they are 65 or older or have other health problems. Until now, COVID vaccines had been available to anyone 6 months and older regardless of their health.The decision is expected to make it harder for many people, such as healthy children and healthy younger adults, to get a shot ahead of the expected winter COVID surge. That's already generating confusion and apprehension that harkens back to the early days of the pandemic, when people often had to frantically search for a shot. (NPR)We discussed:Can we talk a bit about why this decision was made? Some professionals are saying this was a decision not backed by science.Let’s talk about the vaccine, itself. There is so much misinformation around it. What do you want people to understand about how COVID operates and why updated vaccines are necessary.Can we discuss the impact of studying mRNA vaccines? What do you want people to understand about this research?Why is scientific research so important and why is it dangerous to cherry-pick certain studies over others? How should you come to a consensus on safety and efficacy?Are you concerned about the trajectory at the CDC? Three senior leaders walked out of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday in Atlanta after resigning over their opposition to the Trump administration’s political interference in the agency’s science-backed work according to multiple sources.Are you worried about the new director of the CDC has no experience? The White House confirmed that the deputy health secretary, Jim O’Neill, who was a Bush-era speechwriter, a biotech investor who worked for Peter Thiel, a GOP megadonor. will serve as acting CDC director until a Senate-confirmed replacement for the ousted Susan Monarez is in place.What we CAN do to protect ourselves and our communities including wearing a well-fitted KN95 or N95 mask in indoor public spaces and outdoor crowded spaces, get the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine (if and when you can!), ventilate the air or utilize an air filtration system, connect with your local and state leaders to demand COVID-19 vaccines for all as well as robust funding for scientific research!Until next time, take care of yourselves and each other.In solidarity,Natalie

Thank you to Sophia Zoe Kilmer, civil rights activist and attorney, for joining me to discuss the horrific shooting that took place yesterday in Minnesota. Here’s what we touched on:Details of the shooter and what this means for the trans community: FBI Director Kash Patel as male. Legal documents requesting a name change for Westman say she identified as female. The right wing media is purposefully misgendering this person. Why is this a problem for the collective as a whole and why is this a deflection from the real issue at hand — there are too many damn guns in the hands of people who should not have access to them. Should children who survived a mass shooting event be interviewed? Is this a sign of our further desensitization to mass violence? We share our thoughts. What do you think?Details of the shooting: Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed and 18 other victims were injured when a shooter opened fire during a morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Though the shooter had some disturbing posts on social media, there is no evidence to suggest that the shooter was legally barred from purchasing a firearm, O'Hara told reporters. The shooter has been identified as Robin Westman, 23, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. Three firearms have been recovered, and police said the shooter acted alone. (ABC News)