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The Left Hook

Mark Bland

Hosted by Mark Bland, The Left Hook is a current affairs and pop culture show with a political twist. Weekly the guys interview actors, writers, artist and a revolving cast of characters to bring you multiple views of some of the most controversial and engaging topics of our time.

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  • 24 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 45 min
  • English

Episodes 24

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Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • May 4 · 45 min

    Left Hook -36 - Getting Back to Form

    Mark kicks things off with a trip down memory lane, reflecting on the show's evolution across multiple studios and co-hosts over the years. His big takeaway? The best episodes always came from spontaneity and free-flowing conversation — something he and Jason bring in spades. From there, the guys dive headfirst into the news cycle, and nothing is off limits. The recent passing of outlaw country legend David Allan Coe sparks a candid conversation about legacy, racism in music, and the difference between someone who lived their truth versus someone like Kid Rock, who Jason pointedly notes is from Michigan but flies the Confederate flag. "It didn't choose him," Jason says. "He chose it." Then it's on to the assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Dinner — which both Mark and Jason treat with about as much urgency as day-old bread. Their take: it's noise, it's distraction, and frankly, as Mark puts it, "We can wait this one out." The James Comey indictment, missing scientists with classified clearances, the Strait of Hormuz, tariffs tanking relations with Canada, and gas prices creeping toward $4 in Missouri — Mark and Jason connect the dots on an administration that seems to be throwing everything at the wall while Americans foot the bill. They also get into the Epstein files, a potential Don Jr. Apprentice spinoff nobody asked for, and what they believe is some very creative money laundering hiding in plain sight. In the back half, the guys lighten things up with a fun breakdown of a viral poll on how people use AI — from ChatGPT recipe hacks to diagnosing mystery illnesses. Jason shares how he used it as a travel guide through museums, and they debate whether asking AI to help make life decisions is genius or the beginning of the end. The episode wraps with laughs courtesy of a viral "things I didn't know until embarrassingly late in life" thread — including the shocking revelation that narwhals are, in fact, real animals.

  • April 29 · 44 min

    Left Hook - 35 - Crypto Crusaders

    In the latest episode of The Left Hook, host Mark Bland and regular guest Jason Kull take a sharp look at the ongoing chaos inside the second Trump administration, focusing heavily on FBI Director Kash Patel. While President Trump publicly praises Patel as doing a "fantastic job," he is reportedly privately fuming over a string of embarrassing headlines. The latest incident involves Patel skipping the official U.S. delegation in Milan, crashing the Team USA hockey locker room after their gold medal win, chugging beers on camera, and putting Trump on speakerphone. The hosts highlight allegations of Patel missing meetings to play beer league hockey, misusing government aircraft, and providing FBI protection for his girlfriend, while also noting his $250 million lawsuit against The Atlantic. They question how long Trump will tolerate the constant embarrassment from his top law enforcement official. The conversation expands into broader concerns about the upcoming midterms, election integrity, and the direction of the country. Bland and Kull discuss the risks of contested election results, potential authoritarian responses, and various administration scandals involving cabinet members. They also touch on performative Christianity, crypto ventures tied to Trump's inner circle, Steve Bannon's Seinfeld royalties, and the dangers of the growing political betting markets. The episode closes with a sobering reflection on whether the world may eventually view Trump's America as an aggressor, drawing uneasy parallels to historical conflicts. As always, the show blends sharp political commentary with occasional lighter tangents on topics like WrestleMania and Bitcoin wallet woes.

  • April 22 · 45 min

    The Left hook - 34 - Some Silver Balls

    On this episode of The Left Hook, host Mark Bland and co-host Jason Kull open with some light banter before unloading on the week's biggest political stories. They zero in on the Trump administration's midterm message: Americans should brace for economic pain—higher gas and grocery prices—in support of the escalating conflict with Iran. Mark and Jason Kull challenge the shifting rationale behind the conflict, question the absence of any clear, immediate threat, and take aim at claims that Trump's energy policies will somehow fix it all down the road—despite ongoing tariffs and supply chain instability. They also dig into the bizarre feud between the White House and Pope Leo, mocking JD Vance's attempt at theological authority and highlighting the strange optics of Trump attacking a major religious figure while still relying on evangelical support. The conversation turns to whether MAGA loyalty can hold as the administration grows more isolated on the world stage. The episode rounds out with discussions on the missing Epstein files, Clarence Thomas's comments on progressivism, rising election denialism, and a lighter segment featuring the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees and a satirical take on "real American" tax refund spending. Sharp, funny, and unfiltered as always.

  • April 15 · 44 min

    The Left Hook - 33 - NACHO President

    In this episode of The Left Hook, hosts Mark Bland and Jason Kull offer a sharp, independent critique of President Donald Trump's early second term in 2026. The conversation opens with economic concerns, particularly rising gas prices. The hosts note the national average has climbed to about $4.16 per gallon, significantly higher than the roughly $2.75 seen during the final stages of the Biden administration. They argue that Trump's policies, including aggressive tariffs and military actions, have contributed to higher energy costs and broader economic strain, contradicting claims of improved conditions. A central focus is the ongoing crisis with Iran and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Bland and Kull contend that Trump's decision to strike Iranian targets, including actions against leadership, has backfired dramatically. Instead of securing the vital waterway, Iran retains control, leading to disrupted global oil supplies, elevated prices worldwide, and damaged U.S. alliances. They mock Trump's late-night Truth Social posts, including dismissive comments about NATO and interest in Greenland, and revive their "TACO" label — Trump Always Chickens Out — while poking fun at a Fox News counter-spin of "NACHO." The hosts also slam Trump's plans to restructure or downsize the U.S. Forest Service, including closing research labs, calling it shortsighted waste that discards decades of valuable scientific work and weakens wildfire preparedness and national park support. They highlight long-term damage to institutions, military inefficiencies such as using expensive missiles against cheaper drones, and the erosion of America's global standing, portraying the U.S. as having shifted from a respected leader to an unreliable actor under Trump. Throughout the show, Bland and Kull maintain an irreverent, conversational tone typical of the program, blending humor, sarcasm, and data-driven analysis. They emphasize that everyday Americans are feeling the pinch through higher prices and uncertainty while criticizing Republican congressional silence on major issues. The episode underscores their view that Trump's chaotic approach is creating problems that will be difficult to reverse before the midterms.

Showing 21–24 of 24 episodes