The Leslie Marshall Show

Brookfield Zoo Workers in Chicago Fight for Fair Pay—and Animal Safety

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Andy Ferris, a longtime animal care specialist at Brookfield Zoo and a member of the Teamsters 727 bargaining committee, about an ongoing labor dispute that could lead to a strike.

Andy shares what’s happening behind the scenes as workers negotiate with the Chicago Zoological Society over staffing levels, safety concerns, wages, and health care. Despite decades of service, many workers are being asked to accept minimal raises while facing rising costs—and potential cuts to long-standing health benefits.
For example, workers were offered less than 4% raises, while the CEO's compensation increased by over 70%! 

The conversation also addresses one of the public’s biggest concerns: the well-being of the animals. Andy explains how workers have contingency plans in place to ensure animals are cared for, while also raising concerns about existing staffing shortages that could already be impacting safety.

Finally, the discussion pushes back on claims from management that higher wages would drive up ticket prices, highlighting broader questions about priorities, cost of living, and how institutions value the people who keep them running.

It’s a candid look at a high-stakes labor fight—one that impacts workers, families, and the animals they care for every day.

For more than 100 years, Teamsters Local 727 has represented the hardworking men and women of the Greater Chicago area.
They currently represent nearly 10,000 members across a multitude of industries, from bus drivers to trade show workers, pharmacists to zookeepers, funeral directors to parking industry workers. Their top priority is serving the needs of their members, and they firmly believe that a united union is a strong union.
Their website is www.TeamstersLocal727.org and their handle on X is @Teamsters727.

Buyer’s Remorse: Are Young Voters Leaving MAGA?

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Carlos Calzadilla-Palacio, founder of the Disrupt political PAC, about a potential shift in the youth vote and what it could mean for upcoming elections.

Carlos argues that many young voters who supported Donald Trump in 2024 are beginning to rethink that decision, pointing to broken promises on issues like student debt, the economy, and foreign policy.
He explains how those policy changes are affecting young Americans in real, everyday ways—and why frustration may be turning into political movement.

But as Carlos emphasizes, changing opinions isn’t enough. The real challenge is turning that energy into action at the ballot box. He outlines how Disrupt is organizing on college campuses across the country, working to register and mobilize young voters during a key midterm cycle that will take place while many students are on campus.

The conversation highlights both the risks and the opportunity ahead—and why the youth vote could play a decisive role in shaping what comes next.

Disrupt is a youth-led political movement dedicated to freedom, affordability, and ending corporate control.
Their website is www.DisruptPAC.org. Carlos' handle on X is @Carlos_Calz07.

Political Violence in the Age of Trump; Americans Want Iran War Ended as it Crushes the Economy

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. 

Brad is first joined by Sarah Jones, Editor-in-Chief for PoliticusUSA.  
First, in the wake of the assassination attempt on the President this past weekend, Brad and Sarah discuss political violence in the age of Trump.
Next, they analyze new polling showing that 70% of Americans want the Iran war to end ASAP.
Lastly, they talk about the prospects for the Democratic party in the congressional midterms, and the curious case of John Fetterman.

Then, Brad is joined by world renowned economist, Dr. Robert Shapiro, Chairman of Sonecon.
The pair breaks down the status of the economy, including the impact of the Iran war and AI.

Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon.
His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

Worker Safety at Risk: What’s Changed and What’s at Stake

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Tom Duffy of the United Steelworkers about the urgent state of workplace safety in America ahead of Workers Memorial Day.

They begin by reflecting on the meaning of the day, which honors workers who have been killed, injured, or made sick on the job—and why those risks remain a serious concern today. Tom shares insight from decades of experience investigating workplace incidents and advocating for stronger protections.

The conversation then turns to recent policy changes and regulatory rollbacks that have weakened key safety standards, including protections against dangerous exposures and extreme working conditions. Tom explains what these changes mean in real terms for workers and why they could lead to more preventable injuries and illnesses.

They also discuss the growing strain on the agencies responsible for enforcing workplace safety, with fewer inspectors and reduced resources making it harder to hold companies accountable.

Finally, the episode focuses on what workers and unions can do to protect themselves, from pushing for stronger safeguards on the job to advocating for policies that prioritize worker health and safety.

It’s a sobering but important conversation about the risks workers face—and the ongoing fight to ensure every worker makes it home safely.

Follow the USW on Facebook, Instagram and X, using the handle @steelworkers, and visit their website at USW.org. Also, check them out on Blue Sky where their handle is @steelworkers.bsky.social.

Trump Attacks the Environment While Pope Leo Defies Him with Calls for Peace with Iran

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. 

Brad is first joined by Bob Deans, Director of Strategic Engagement for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
The two discuss the environment ahead of this year's Earth Day, which is this coming Wednesday.
The NRDC tracks the Trump administration's actions and proposals that threaten the environment and public health.  They've documented 470 and counting in about a dozen different categories.  
They're attacking the 'Clean Water Act,' the 'Clean Air Act,' and the 'Endangered Species Act.'  Learn more at their 'White House Watch.'
However, while efforts to combat climate change have regressed on a federal level, there's still real progress happening on the state level in many different parts of the U.S.

Brad is then joined by Tara Devlin, host of the 'TARABUSTER' podcast.
The pair covers the quagmire of a war that Trump has dragged the country into versus Iran.
They also talk about Trump's verbal attacks against Pope Leo because the Pope is encouraging dialogue between the U.S. and Iran instead of more violence.
The pair also discusses how the Pope is sticking to the teaching of the gospel in his message of peace, versus those encouraging more attacks vs Iran.  Brad highlights additional clear differences between President Trump and Pope Leo with respect to the 'Sermon on the Mount' in the Gospel of Matthew.

Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon.
His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

American Manufacturing: From Cars to the Moon and Back Home Again

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, about three stories that highlight the role of manufacturing in America today—from global competition to space exploration to cultural identity.

They begin by discussing why Chinese-made automobiles still haven’t entered the U.S. market in a major way, and why that may be a good thing for American workers, national security, and the long-term health of the auto industry. The conversation explores the balance between lower prices for consumers and protecting domestic manufacturing jobs.

Next, they turn to the Artemis II mission and how a return to the moon is powered not just by NASA, but by thousands of American workers and manufacturers across the country. Scott explains how large-scale national projects like this support innovation, strengthen supply chains, and create jobs far beyond the space industry.

Finally, the episode closes on a lighter but meaningful note, looking at how the Pittsburgh Pirates are embracing the city’s industrial roots with steelworker-themed celebrations. It’s a reminder of the deep connection between manufacturing, community identity, and pride in American work.

Together, these conversations offer a wide-ranging look at how manufacturing continues to shape the economy, culture, and future of the United States.

If you’d like to follow more of Scott Paul’s work or learn more about the Alliance for American Manufacturing, you can visit AmericanManufacturing.org. You can also watch episodes of their podcast, The Manufacturing Report, on YouTube at youtube.com/@AmericanMfg, or listen at AmericanManufacturing.org/podcast.

They’re also active on social media—follow AAM on X at X @KeepItMadeInUSA, Scott Paul at @ScottPaulAAM, and on BlueSky at @keepitmadeinusa.bsky.social.

March Midterms Madness; Recapping 'No Kings Day' Protest #3

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. 

Brad is first joined by Charlie Cook, Founder of the 'Cook Political Report,' to talk March #Midterms Madness. He reviews the latest polling with Brad, and then shares how he thinks the balance of power will look in the House and Senate following the upcoming November elections.

Then, Brad is joined by Christine Wood, Co-Director for 'Declaration for American Democracy.'  Their coalition includes groups from the labor, racial justice, faith, women’s rights, environmental, good government, and many other important communities. 
She first recaps this past Saturday's 'No Kings' protests, which attracted more than eight million participants.
Next, she breaks down the false talking points the Republican party is spreading about their voter suppression bill, which is ironically called, the 'SAVE Act.'

The website for 'Declaration for American Democracy' is www.dfadcoalition.org.

Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon.
His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

Ellison Family to Turn CNN Right-Wing Like CBS?, 'No Kings Day' Protest 3.0

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.

Brad is first joined by Tim Karr, Senior Director of Strategy and Communications at 'Free Press,' a nonpartisan organization fighting for your rights to connect and communicate.

The two discuss the Ellison family, who are billionaire Trump donors, taking over CNN and TikTok as part of their acquisition and merger deal of Warner Bros.  They analyze how the Ellisons have turned CBS into a Trump-friendly right-wing news network, and the risks of the same happening to CNN and TikTok.
Finally, they talk about the problems that all of these large media consolidations are causing by creating a monopoly that also reports what the government in power wants them to, just like the autocracies in Russia and Hungary.

Then, Kim Scott, Publisher of 'DemList,' joins Brad to preview the third 'No Kings' protest, which will be taking place this Saturday, March 28th.  The protest aims to counter the Trump administration and his Dictator-like actions and messaging.  The first 'No Kings' protest attracted five million people across the nation, with the second including seven million participants. The organizers are aiming to make this the largest protest in American history.
They're also expecting 'No Kings Day' protests in as many as 30 other countries on Saturday, opposing the Trump administration's actions.
The website to find out if there's a protest near you, and how to get involved, is www.NoKings.org.

The website for Free Press is www.FreePress.net and their handle on BlueSky is @freepress.bsky.social.  Tim Karr's handle is @timkarr.bsky.social. 

Kim Scott's 'Demlist' is a free national daily political column, calendar and resource site for Democrats and allies - a unique, central source that connects people to the who, what and where of Democratic events, issues and activism. You can find out more about them at www.DemList.com and follow them on BlueSky at the handle @demlist.bsky.social‬.

Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon.
His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social

War Without Cause? Trump’s Iran Strikes and Cuba Threats Under Fire

Leslie is joined by Colonel Cedric Leighton (Ret.), CNN Military Analyst, to examine growing concerns over President Trump’s foreign policy decisions. From a top counterterrorism official resigning over what he says was a war with Iran lacking any imminent threat, to Trump openly talking about “taking” Cuba, the conversation raises urgent questions about judgment, intelligence, and accountability.

Colonel Leighton breaks down whether these moves reflect strategy—or dangerous escalation—and what they could mean for global stability, U.S. credibility, and the risk of wider conflict.

The Colonel's handle on Blue Sky is @cedricleighton.bsky.social and on X it's @CedricLeighton. His website is CedricLeighton.com.

2-Day Shipping, Zero Accountability?

Leslie takes a closer look at New York City’s proposed Delivery Protection Act and the growing scrutiny around Amazon’s last-mile delivery system. The conversation explores the hidden costs behind rapid delivery and who ultimately bears the burden.

Leslie is joined by Christian Trimboli, a member of Teamsters Local 804 and an Amazon Delivery Service Provider (DSP) driver in New York City, who offers a firsthand account of the realities on the job. He describes the intense pressure drivers face—from demanding delivery quotas and constant surveillance to physically exhausting work with little job security or benefits. Christian explains how these conditions pushed him and his coworkers to organize with the Teamsters in pursuit of safer workplaces and fair treatment.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit teamster.org for more information. Follow them on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at facebook.com/teamsters.