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The Only True Democracy in Talk Radio
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4 days ago
4 days ago
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 Center for American Progress's Natasha Murphy, Director of Health Policy at the Center for American Progress.The two breakdown the latest on the efforts by Congressional Democrats to get healthcare subsidies reinstated for the over 20 million Americans who purchase their health insurance through the ACA marketplace. Since Republicans let the credits expire at the end of last month, many families have had the cost of their premiums more than double.
Then, Brad's joined by Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, an Immigration Attorney and Advocate. The pair discusses the shooting death of Renee Good, the unarmed civilian who was shot to death by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week. They also analyze the Trump administration's gaslighting of the facts about the shooting, including their unwarranted claims that the 37-year old poet, artist and Mother of three was a 'domestic terrorist.'
Finally, they have a broader discussion on the topic of ICE, and how it has made America less safe, the opposite of what Trump promised it would do for the country.
Natasha Murphy is the director of Health Policy at American Progress, where she develops and advances policy proposals to lower health care costs and improve health care coverage, affordability, and quality.
Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch is also the Owner and CEO of Lincoln-Goldfinch Law. Their website is www.LincolnGoldfinch.com. Kate's handle is @AttorneyKLG on X, @attorneykatelg on Instagram, and @abogadakate on TikTok.
Additionally, she's currently running for State Representative for Texas House district 50 as a Democrat.
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.
Brad is first joined by Center for American Progress's Natasha Murphy, Director of Health Policy at the Center for American Progress.The two breakdown the latest on the efforts by Congressional Democrats to get healthcare subsidies reinstated for the over 20 million Americans who purchase their health insurance through the ACA marketplace. Since Republicans let the credits expire at the end of last month, many families have had the cost of their premiums more than double.
Then, Brad's joined by Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, an Immigration Attorney and Advocate. The pair discusses the shooting death of Renee Good, the unarmed civilian who was shot to death by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week. They also analyze the Trump administration's gaslighting of the facts about the shooting, including their unwarranted claims that the 37-year old poet, artist and Mother of three was a 'domestic terrorist.'
Finally, they have a broader discussion on the topic of ICE, and how it has made America less safe, the opposite of what Trump promised it would do for the country.
Natasha Murphy is the director of Health Policy at American Progress, where she develops and advances policy proposals to lower health care costs and improve health care coverage, affordability, and quality.
Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch is also the Owner and CEO of Lincoln-Goldfinch Law. Their website is www.LincolnGoldfinch.com. Kate's handle is @AttorneyKLG on X, @attorneykatelg on Instagram, and @abogadakate on TikTok.
Additionally, she's currently running for State Representative for Texas House district 50 as a Democrat.
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.
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Leslie is joined by Raul Torrez, Attorney General of New Mexico.
Torrez is a career state and federal prosecutor who has served at every level of the justice system. Since taking office as New Mexico’s 32nd Attorney General in 2023, he has made protecting children a central priority—holding major tech companies accountable for enabling online abuse and investigating systemic failures in the child welfare system.
The two discuss Torrez's lawsuits against Meta and Snap Inc.
In December 2023, A.G. Torrez filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms, Inc., alleging that Facebook and Instagram enabled child sexual abuse and human trafficking. The complaint details how Meta's platforms allowed predators to exploit minors and how the company's algorithms contributed to the spread of harmful content.
In September 2024, A.G. Torrez filed a lawsuit against Snap Inc., alleging that Snapchat's design features and algorithms facilitated child sexual exploitation and sextortion. The lawsuit claims that Snapchat misled users about the safety of its platform, particularly regarding disappearing messages, and failed to implement adequate safeguards for minors.
Lastly, the pair shares information and resources on how parents can help protect their children online, and how to detect if their child may have experienced sexual abuse or exploitation online.
There's some great information and resources on the New Mexico government's website specifically for parents to help navigate these issues.
Visit NMDOJ.gov to view their internet safety page and their Sextortion guide.
Tuesday Jan 06, 2026
Tuesday Jan 06, 2026
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 joined by CNN Military Analyst Cedric Leighton (USAF-Ret.).
The two discuss Trump's capture of the Venezuelan President on their soil, and whether or not the action was lawful.
Additionally, they posit whether this move by Trump undercuts the U.S. argument that China should keep its hands off of Taiwan.
They also analyze the prospect of invading Cuba or Greenland, and the impact of a more Western Hemisphere-centric foreign policy on the security of the U.S.
Lastly, the pair details Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's continued retribution against Senator Mark Kelly, a U.S. military veteran, for a video he was part of encouraging military members only to follow lawful orders.
Then, Brad is joined by Sarah Jones, Editor-in-Chief of PoliticusUSA.
The pair discusses the anniversary of the January 6th insurrection, as well as Jack Smith's recent testimony to Congress on how culpable President Trump is for the attack on our Capitol.
Next, they preview the incoming cost increases for Americans' health insurance, thanks to the changes that Trump and Congressional Republicans have made to the Affordable Care Act.
Finally, Sarah evaluates how possible it seems for Democrats to retake the House during this year's midterms, and whether the Senate could be attainable.
Col. Cedric Leighton is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a strategic risk and leadership consultancy serving global companies and organizations. He founded the company in 2010, after serving in the US Air Force for 27 years as an Intelligence Officer and attaining the rank of Colonel. His website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @CedricLeighton.bsky.social.
Sarah Jones' handle on BlueSky is @politicussarah.bsky.social and the website for PoliticusUSA is www.PoliticusUSA.com.
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.
Brad is joined by CNN Military Analyst Cedric Leighton (USAF-Ret.).
The two discuss Trump's capture of the Venezuelan President on their soil, and whether or not the action was lawful.
Additionally, they posit whether this move by Trump undercuts the U.S. argument that China should keep its hands off of Taiwan.
They also analyze the prospect of invading Cuba or Greenland, and the impact of a more Western Hemisphere-centric foreign policy on the security of the U.S.
Lastly, the pair details Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's continued retribution against Senator Mark Kelly, a U.S. military veteran, for a video he was part of encouraging military members only to follow lawful orders.
Then, Brad is joined by Sarah Jones, Editor-in-Chief of PoliticusUSA.
The pair discusses the anniversary of the January 6th insurrection, as well as Jack Smith's recent testimony to Congress on how culpable President Trump is for the attack on our Capitol.
Next, they preview the incoming cost increases for Americans' health insurance, thanks to the changes that Trump and Congressional Republicans have made to the Affordable Care Act.
Finally, Sarah evaluates how possible it seems for Democrats to retake the House during this year's midterms, and whether the Senate could be attainable.
Col. Cedric Leighton is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a strategic risk and leadership consultancy serving global companies and organizations. He founded the company in 2010, after serving in the US Air Force for 27 years as an Intelligence Officer and attaining the rank of Colonel. His website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @CedricLeighton.bsky.social.
Sarah Jones' handle on BlueSky is @politicussarah.bsky.social and the website for PoliticusUSA is www.PoliticusUSA.com.
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.
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Leslie is joined by Scott Kroona and Brad Lusk, members of Teamsters Local 120, which represents over 15,000 workers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
They discuss why their Union has authorized a strike at Actus Nutrition and Foremost Farms.
They explain what has led to the strike, and how they and other dairy workers are pushing back against cuts to their health care, pensions, and other protections.
The website for Teamsters Local 120 is www.TeamstersLocal120.org.
Monday Dec 08, 2025
Monday Dec 08, 2025
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 Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, an Immigration Attorney and Advocate. The pair discusses Trump's new efforts to block immigration from 19 countries he deemed 'high risk.'
Kate also explains the details of the U.S. Supreme Court agreeing to take up one of President Trump's most contentious policies by reviewing the American legal principle of "birthright citizenship," potentially upending a 127-year-old understanding of who gets to be a U.S. citizen.
Kate and Brad also discussed how alarmingly frequent it has been for ICE to arrest and detain U.S. citizens for hours to even days, with some of them being assaulted in the process.
Then, Center for American Progress's Natasha Murphy talks with Brad about healthcare, including premiums that are set to skyrocket at the end of the month if Republicans refuse to extend ACA tax credits.
Natasha also breaks down why the Health Savings Account options, which many congressional Republicans are pushing as a replacement for ACA tax credits, do nothing to help pay for skyrocketing health insurance premiums themselves.
Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch is also the Owner and CEO of Lincoln-Goldfinch Law. Their website is www.LincolnGoldfinch.com. Kate's handle is @AttorneyKLG on X, @attorneykatelg on Instagram, and @abogadakate on TikTok.
Additionally, she's currently running for State Representative for Texas House district 50 as a Democrat.
Natasha Murphy is the director of Health Policy at American Progress, where she develops and advances policy proposals to lower health care costs and improve health care coverage, affordability, and quality.
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.
Brad is first joined by Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, an Immigration Attorney and Advocate. The pair discusses Trump's new efforts to block immigration from 19 countries he deemed 'high risk.'
Kate also explains the details of the U.S. Supreme Court agreeing to take up one of President Trump's most contentious policies by reviewing the American legal principle of "birthright citizenship," potentially upending a 127-year-old understanding of who gets to be a U.S. citizen.
Kate and Brad also discussed how alarmingly frequent it has been for ICE to arrest and detain U.S. citizens for hours to even days, with some of them being assaulted in the process.
Then, Center for American Progress's Natasha Murphy talks with Brad about healthcare, including premiums that are set to skyrocket at the end of the month if Republicans refuse to extend ACA tax credits.
Natasha also breaks down why the Health Savings Account options, which many congressional Republicans are pushing as a replacement for ACA tax credits, do nothing to help pay for skyrocketing health insurance premiums themselves.
Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch is also the Owner and CEO of Lincoln-Goldfinch Law. Their website is www.LincolnGoldfinch.com. Kate's handle is @AttorneyKLG on X, @attorneykatelg on Instagram, and @abogadakate on TikTok.
Additionally, she's currently running for State Representative for Texas House district 50 as a Democrat.
Natasha Murphy is the director of Health Policy at American Progress, where she develops and advances policy proposals to lower health care costs and improve health care coverage, affordability, and quality.
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.
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
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 Mabinty Quarshie, White House Reporter for the Washington Examiner.
The two analyze President Trump's 36% approval rating in the new Gallup poll, which is the lowest of his term, and just two points shy of his lowest ever.
They also discuss Trump's handling of the press, and what his low approval rating could mean for Republicans in next year's midterm elections.
Then, Brad is joined by CNN Military Analyst Cedric Leighton (USAF-Ret.).
The two discuss the Washington Post report that Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, authorized a highly unusual strike to kill all survivors of one of the Trump administration’s attacks in recent months on boats allegedly carrying drugs in international waters.
Next, they talk about Senator Mark Kelly's message to military service members about their duty to the U.S. constitution to not follow unlawful orders.
Lastly, they discuss the prospects for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.
Mabinty Quarshie's handle on X is @MabintyQ.
Col. Cedric Leighton is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a strategic risk and leadership consultancy serving global companies and organizations. He founded the company in 2010, after serving in the US Air Force for 27 years as an Intelligence Officer and attaining the rank of Colonel. His website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @CedricLeighton. bsky.social.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Brad is first joined by Mabinty Quarshie, White House Reporter for the Washington Examiner.
The two analyze President Trump's 36% approval rating in the new Gallup poll, which is the lowest of his term, and just two points shy of his lowest ever.
They also discuss Trump's handling of the press, and what his low approval rating could mean for Republicans in next year's midterm elections.
Then, Brad is joined by CNN Military Analyst Cedric Leighton (USAF-Ret.).
The two discuss the Washington Post report that Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, authorized a highly unusual strike to kill all survivors of one of the Trump administration’s attacks in recent months on boats allegedly carrying drugs in international waters.
Next, they talk about Senator Mark Kelly's message to military service members about their duty to the U.S. constitution to not follow unlawful orders.
Lastly, they discuss the prospects for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.
Mabinty Quarshie's handle on X is @MabintyQ.
Col. Cedric Leighton is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a strategic risk and leadership consultancy serving global companies and organizations. He founded the company in 2010, after serving in the US Air Force for 27 years as an Intelligence Officer and attaining the rank of Colonel. His website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @CedricLeighton. bsky.social.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
Leslie is joined by Roxanne Brown, President-Elect of the United Steelworkers. Currently serving as the Union's international Vice President, Brown will be sworn in to her new position on March 1, 2026. Following the USW's regular four-year nomination and election process that recently took place, Brown was elected to be the Union's new President!
During today's interview, Leslie and Roxanne discuss how working families have taken major hits to their rights and their pocketbooks in 2025, thanks to the Trump administration.
Before President Trump was elected, his advisors laid out a terrifying vision for the nation called, 'Project 2025.' And over the past year, working families have unfortunately borne the brunt of the administration rapidly enacting these policies. On top of this, the administration has failed to rein in – and in many ways added to – costs for necessities like groceries, energy and health care.
Roxanne details how these attacks have hit bargaining rights for workers, veterans' benefits, workplace safety, healthcare and more.
Taken together, we’re seeing an economy in which the rich get a whole lot richer, while everyone else is lucky to scrape by, just as Trump planned.
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.
Roxanne's handle on X is @BrownRox.
During today's interview, Leslie and Roxanne discuss how working families have taken major hits to their rights and their pocketbooks in 2025, thanks to the Trump administration.
Before President Trump was elected, his advisors laid out a terrifying vision for the nation called, 'Project 2025.' And over the past year, working families have unfortunately borne the brunt of the administration rapidly enacting these policies. On top of this, the administration has failed to rein in – and in many ways added to – costs for necessities like groceries, energy and health care.
Roxanne details how these attacks have hit bargaining rights for workers, veterans' benefits, workplace safety, healthcare and more.
Taken together, we’re seeing an economy in which the rich get a whole lot richer, while everyone else is lucky to scrape by, just as Trump planned.
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.
Roxanne's handle on X is @BrownRox.
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
The Student Debt Crisis Center takes over the airwaves of 'the Leslie Marshall Show,' where they cover the newest student loan updates, actions folks may need to take, potential changes to repayment plan options and forgiveness programs, and how you can make sure that you have the lowest monthly payment.
This episode's SDCC hosts are President and Founder, Natalia Abrams, Executive Director, Sabrina Calazans, and Communications Associate Ángel Rentería.
The Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that centers the needs and voices of borrowers, and partners with allies, to impact public policy and end the student debt crisis.
The SDCC website is www.StudentDebtCrisis.org and their handle on X, Instagram and Facebook is @DebtCrisisOrg.
Their handle on BlueSky is @debtcrisisorg.bsky.social.
This episode's SDCC hosts are President and Founder, Natalia Abrams, Executive Director, Sabrina Calazans, and Communications Associate Ángel Rentería.
The Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that centers the needs and voices of borrowers, and partners with allies, to impact public policy and end the student debt crisis.
The SDCC website is www.StudentDebtCrisis.org and their handle on X, Instagram and Facebook is @DebtCrisisOrg.
Their handle on BlueSky is @debtcrisisorg.bsky.social.
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Leslie welcomes back Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, for a preview of the newly released 2025 'Made in America Holiday Gift Guide.' (link: https://www.americanmanufacturing.org/blog/the-2025-made-in-america-holiday-gift-guide/)
This year's guide makes it easier than ever for shoppers to find U.S.-made products and support American workers this holiday season.
New polling released with the Gift Guide shows overwhelming demand for locally made goods, with 81% of Americans saying they’re as likely or more likely to buy American-made products this year. The vast majority (83%) of shoppers say they would buy more Made in USA goods if these products were more widely available. The Gift Guide bridges that gap, connecting consumers with the craftsmanship, quality and well-paid jobs that come from buying Made in America.
In its 12th year, the 2025 Guide features 148 manufacturers and makers from across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. There’s an American-made gift for everyone, with finds ranging from model airplane kits and stocking stuffers to jewelry and grills.
Shoppers can browse the guide by state or product category, and a new segment this year highlights brick-and-mortar stores specializing in state-made goods for in-person shopping. Additionally, AAM’s Made in America Directory spotlights 873 companies and their products that are not featured in this year’s Guide.
Leslie and Scott highlight five of the companies and their gift offerings for just a taste of the guide. Here they are:
1 - WicR
Have you always wanted to be a plant parent but were too scared you’d forget to water them every day? Fear no more: WicR is a self-watering product that makes it a lot easier. All you have to do is place the WicR at the bottom of your pot, cover it with soil, and place your plant in. Then, after an initial watering, the WicR will self-water your plant for seven to ten days. A game-changer for plant care!
2 - Alaska Glacial Essentials Skincare
Alaska Glacial Essentials Skincare draws from its surrounding beauty in Cordova, Alaska, to enhance the quality of the products they make there. This company sources glacial minerals and botanicals for gentle but effective formulas, and all its products are vegan and cruelty-free. Its energy-efficient facility operates on 60-80% community hydropower, and the Certified B Corps company prides itself on a commitment to sustainability. Alaska Glacial Essentials Skincare donates 2% of its revenues to organizations that protect the Alaskan environment, such as the Copper River Watershed Project.
3 - Made-Plus Footwear
The vast majority of footwear today is imported. But Alan Guyan, an alum of Under Armour’s shoe division, saw an opportunity to do things differently. That’s why he started Made+, a luxury athletic shoe brand based in Annapolis. All the shoes are made with 100% recycled yarn — and that yarn is made from repurposed plastic water bottles. These shoes come in all sorts of designs; they even sell shoes specially designed for pickleball. If you’re looking to replace those athletic shoes, Made+ is an incredible choice. (And check out their in-person storefront if you’re near Annapolis!) Lastly, be sure to check out AAM's blog post featuring Made+ from last month, where you can find on their website at AmericanManufacturing.org/blog
4 - High Strung Studios
For the music lover on your list, High Strung Studios hits all the right notes. This woman-owned business transforms real guitar strings into beautiful, handcrafted jewelry made right here in the USA. Each bracelet, necklace, and pair of earrings carries a touch of rhythm and a whole lot of heart, making them perfect for anyone who finds joy in a good song. Thoughtful, unique, and full of holiday cheer, these gifts truly strike a chord.
5 - Cycle Dog
Bring some wag-worthy joy to the holidays with Cycle Dog, a woman-owned company in Portland, making eco-friendly gear for dogs who love to play. Every collar, leash, toy and bed is crafted in the USA using recycled materials, keeping millions of inner tubes and bottles out of landfills. Durable, sustainable and made by a team of passionate makers (and their pups), these gifts are perfect for anyone who wants to spoil their dog, spread a little holiday cheer, and do good for the planet all at once.
Lastly, Leslie and Scott talk about Project MFG. What's Project MFG? Think Top Chef — but for welders, machinists and engineers. Ray Dick, founder of Project MFG and creator of the YouTube reality show 'Clash of Trades,' is inspiring the next generation of manufacturers through hands-on competition and community engagement.
AAM's website is AmericanManufacturing.org and their YouTube channel is youtube.com/@AmericanMfg (where you can watch episode's of AAM's podcast, "The Manufacturing Report")
If you want to listen to episodes of "The Manufacturing Report," visit AmericanManufacturing.org/Podcast.
Their handles on X and BlueSky are @KeepItMadeInUSA, and @keepitmadeinusa.bsky.social, respectively.
Scott's handle on X is @ScottPaulAAM.
This year's guide makes it easier than ever for shoppers to find U.S.-made products and support American workers this holiday season.
New polling released with the Gift Guide shows overwhelming demand for locally made goods, with 81% of Americans saying they’re as likely or more likely to buy American-made products this year. The vast majority (83%) of shoppers say they would buy more Made in USA goods if these products were more widely available. The Gift Guide bridges that gap, connecting consumers with the craftsmanship, quality and well-paid jobs that come from buying Made in America.
In its 12th year, the 2025 Guide features 148 manufacturers and makers from across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. There’s an American-made gift for everyone, with finds ranging from model airplane kits and stocking stuffers to jewelry and grills.
Shoppers can browse the guide by state or product category, and a new segment this year highlights brick-and-mortar stores specializing in state-made goods for in-person shopping. Additionally, AAM’s Made in America Directory spotlights 873 companies and their products that are not featured in this year’s Guide.
Leslie and Scott highlight five of the companies and their gift offerings for just a taste of the guide. Here they are:
1 - WicR
Have you always wanted to be a plant parent but were too scared you’d forget to water them every day? Fear no more: WicR is a self-watering product that makes it a lot easier. All you have to do is place the WicR at the bottom of your pot, cover it with soil, and place your plant in. Then, after an initial watering, the WicR will self-water your plant for seven to ten days. A game-changer for plant care!
2 - Alaska Glacial Essentials Skincare
Alaska Glacial Essentials Skincare draws from its surrounding beauty in Cordova, Alaska, to enhance the quality of the products they make there. This company sources glacial minerals and botanicals for gentle but effective formulas, and all its products are vegan and cruelty-free. Its energy-efficient facility operates on 60-80% community hydropower, and the Certified B Corps company prides itself on a commitment to sustainability. Alaska Glacial Essentials Skincare donates 2% of its revenues to organizations that protect the Alaskan environment, such as the Copper River Watershed Project.
3 - Made-Plus Footwear
The vast majority of footwear today is imported. But Alan Guyan, an alum of Under Armour’s shoe division, saw an opportunity to do things differently. That’s why he started Made+, a luxury athletic shoe brand based in Annapolis. All the shoes are made with 100% recycled yarn — and that yarn is made from repurposed plastic water bottles. These shoes come in all sorts of designs; they even sell shoes specially designed for pickleball. If you’re looking to replace those athletic shoes, Made+ is an incredible choice. (And check out their in-person storefront if you’re near Annapolis!) Lastly, be sure to check out AAM's blog post featuring Made+ from last month, where you can find on their website at AmericanManufacturing.org/blog
4 - High Strung Studios
For the music lover on your list, High Strung Studios hits all the right notes. This woman-owned business transforms real guitar strings into beautiful, handcrafted jewelry made right here in the USA. Each bracelet, necklace, and pair of earrings carries a touch of rhythm and a whole lot of heart, making them perfect for anyone who finds joy in a good song. Thoughtful, unique, and full of holiday cheer, these gifts truly strike a chord.
5 - Cycle Dog
Bring some wag-worthy joy to the holidays with Cycle Dog, a woman-owned company in Portland, making eco-friendly gear for dogs who love to play. Every collar, leash, toy and bed is crafted in the USA using recycled materials, keeping millions of inner tubes and bottles out of landfills. Durable, sustainable and made by a team of passionate makers (and their pups), these gifts are perfect for anyone who wants to spoil their dog, spread a little holiday cheer, and do good for the planet all at once.
Lastly, Leslie and Scott talk about Project MFG. What's Project MFG? Think Top Chef — but for welders, machinists and engineers. Ray Dick, founder of Project MFG and creator of the YouTube reality show 'Clash of Trades,' is inspiring the next generation of manufacturers through hands-on competition and community engagement.
AAM's website is AmericanManufacturing.org and their YouTube channel is youtube.com/@AmericanMfg (where you can watch episode's of AAM's podcast, "The Manufacturing Report")
If you want to listen to episodes of "The Manufacturing Report," visit AmericanManufacturing.org/Podcast.
Their handles on X and BlueSky are @KeepItMadeInUSA, and @keepitmadeinusa.bsky.social, respectively.
Scott's handle on X is @ScottPaulAAM.
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
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 Politicus USA.
The two discuss the newly released emails between disgraced pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, referencing Donald Trump spending hours with someone who Epstein calls a "victim" at Epstein's house. Epstein also refers to Trump as, "the dog who never barked."
Then, Brad is joined by Dr. Robert Shapiro, Chairman of Sonecon, an economic advisory firm, and a Senior Fellow of the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.
The pair examines new data showing that monthly U.S. jobs cuts surged to a 22-year high in October, and new polling showing that 54% of voters blame Trump for the current economy vs. only 21% blaming Biden
Sarah Jones' handle on BlueSky is @politicussarah.bsky.social and the website for PoliticusUSA is www.PoliticusUSA.com.
Dr. Shapiro's website is Sonecon.com and his handle on X is @RobShapiro.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.
Brad is first joined by Sarah Jones, Editor in Chief for Politicus USA.
The two discuss the newly released emails between disgraced pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, referencing Donald Trump spending hours with someone who Epstein calls a "victim" at Epstein's house. Epstein also refers to Trump as, "the dog who never barked."
Then, Brad is joined by Dr. Robert Shapiro, Chairman of Sonecon, an economic advisory firm, and a Senior Fellow of the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.
The pair examines new data showing that monthly U.S. jobs cuts surged to a 22-year high in October, and new polling showing that 54% of voters blame Trump for the current economy vs. only 21% blaming Biden
Sarah Jones' handle on BlueSky is @politicussarah.bsky.social and the website for PoliticusUSA is www.PoliticusUSA.com.
Dr. Shapiro's website is Sonecon.com and his handle on X is @RobShapiro.
Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'
He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.