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The Signal

Bucks Co Beacon

The Signal, a podcast by The Bucks County Beacon, will shine a light on the right-wing extremist currents streaming though Bucks County and beyond. Twice a month we will talk to guests who will help listeners navigate these perilous political waters by providing insight, analysis, and organizing solutions so that we can steer the community toward calmer, saner progressive routes.

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#81
September 18 · 1 hr 13 min
Filmmaker Robert May on His New PBS Documentary Series ‘Bucks County, USA’
Robert May is a producer/director of independent films whose projects have collectively garnered over 40 awards including the Oscar, Bafta, Independent Spirit Award and Human Rights Award, to name a few. He produced documentaries the Fog of War, about former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, Kids for Cash, about a scandal involving judges in Wilkes Barre receiving kickbacks for sending kids to a private prison, among other films. His latest, which airs on PBS on Sunday, is Bucks County, USA, a five-part documentary series May co-produced with filmmakers Jason Sosnoff and Barry Levinson. The series, filmed over 4 years, covers what the New York Times dubbed “The School Board Wars” in Central Bucks School District. He spoke with me to talk about his filmmaking career, Bucks County, USA, and how he hopes this new docuseries can help a community once at war with each other heal, and maybe even actively try to listen and talk to each other like friendly neighbors – despite deep political differences. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart READ: BCCC Embarrasses Itself With Decision to Cancel Special Community Prescreening of PBS Docuseries ‘Bucks County, USA’ It Takes A Village: Expelling Right-Wing Extremism From Bucks County School Districts CBSD Neighbors United Was a Revolution in Central Bucks School District ALSO LISTEN TO: These 3 Central Bucks Parents Started a ‘Revolution’ to Save Their School District from Moms for Liberty and Other Right-Wing Extremists Anti-Fascist, Dystopian YA Novel Inspired by Central Bucks School District Unmasking Moms for Liberty’s Extremism, with Olivia Little and Diana Leygerman Raising a Transgender Child in an Increasingly Transphobic Country and School District, with Brett Freeman Fighting for Students’ and Teachers’ Rights in Central Bucks School District, with ACLU’s Witold Walczak The Christian Right’s Crusade for Power and War on Democracy, with Katherine Stewart Jennifer Berkshire and Jack Schneider on Their New Book ‘The Education Wars: A Citizen’s Guide and Defense Manual’ Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music. Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social
#79
September 10 · 1 hr 29 min
The Power of Participation: Showing Up for Ourselves, Each Other, and Our Communities
This special episode of The Signal Podcast brings listeners inside a dynamic, solutions‑focused conversation about civic engagement, community care, and the everyday actions that strengthen democracy. Recorded live at a joint event hosted by the Bucks County Beacon and Doylestown Action League, the discussion explores what participation really looks like—and why showing up matters. Moderator Connor O’Hanlon guides a powerhouse panel of leaders whose work spans civic education, mental health advocacy, trauma‑informed care, and political engagement. Join him and featured panelists Lauren Cristella, Amy Widestrom, Ariel Virk and Nick Emeigh for an in-depth and actionable conversation. Together, these experts unpack the barriers that keep people from participating, the cultural narratives that shape our sense of agency, and the practical steps anyone can take to build healthier, more connected communities. This is an energizing, grounded, and deeply human conversation about the power of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Links: Bucks County Beacon - News. Government. Politics. Behind the Beacon | The Bucks County Beacon https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-bucks-county-beacon-turns-5-tickets-1989228969396?aff=oddtdtcreator
#80
August 31 · 51 min
A look at Bob Harvie's "New Fair Deal for Working Families" & the chance to flip the PA-01, with Cyril Mychalejko and Kevin Mahoney
Kevin Mahoney takes over the mic for a conversation with Cyril Mychalejko, the editor-in-chief of The Beacon and the regular host of The Signal. We take a close look at Democrat Bob Harvie's "New Fair Deal for Working Families" - a 12 point plan for "Restoring the Promise of the American Dream in the 21st Century." I think it's fair to say that Cyril and Kevin have some questions for the Harvie campaign and some thoughts on what's needed if Democrats have a shot at defeating the always slippery, deep-pocketed, yet vulnerable Republican Brian Fitzpatrick in this year's mid-term elections. NOTE: At one point in the conversation Cyril misspoke regarding health care spending. He said that the US spends half as much on insurance than other countries. What he meant to say was that OTHER COUNTRIES spend half as much as the U.S. per person on health. For clarification, here's the relevant article from Peterson-KFF: "How does health spending in the U.S. compare to other countries" Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music. Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social
#78
July 13 · 52 min
These 3 Central Bucks Parents Started a ‘Revolution’ to Save Their School District
These 3 Central Bucks Parents Started a ‘Revolution’ to Save Their School District “CBSD Neighbors United Was a Revolution in Central Bucks School District.” This was the title of a recent column authored by Diana Leygerman, Tracy Suits, and Steve Sullivan, district parents and the founders of the organization which helped save the school district from Moms for Liberty, a local MAGA multi-millionaire, and other right-wing political arsonists who had captured the school board back in 2021 and were pushing a reactionary, and largely anti-public education agenda. The three join me today to talk about how CBSD Neighbors United started, the organization’s breathtaking success, and why even though they are closing its doors they are confident the movement they helped start will live on. Diana Leygerman is a Central Bucks School District parent and the Director of Comms and Strategy of CBSD Neighbors United. Steve Sullivan is a CBSD parent and the Director of Fundraising for Neighbors United. Tracy Suits is the current chair of the Chalfont New Britain Democrats. She served on the Central Bucks school board from 2017 to 2021, and is the Chair and Director of Operations for CBSD Neighbors United. She’s also a CBSD parent. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart READ: CBSD Neighbors United Was a Revolution in Central Bucks School District Meet Three of the Neighbors Who United to Defend Public Education in Central Bucks School District Moms for Liberty CEO and Co-Founder Tina Descovich Verbally Attacks the Bucks County Beacon at Harrisburg-Area Event We Must Continue to Defend the Freedom to Read in Central Bucks School District It Takes A Village: Expelling Right-Wing Extremism From Bucks County School Districts ALSO LISTEN TO: Anti-Fascist, Dystopian YA Novel Inspired by Central Bucks School District Unmasking Moms for Liberty’s Extremism, with Olivia Little and Diana Leygerman Raising a Transgender Child in an Increasingly Transphobic Country and School District, with Brett Freeman Fighting for Students’ and Teachers’ Rights in Central Bucks School District, with ACLU’s Witold Walczak The Christian Right’s Crusade for Power and War on Democracy, with Katherine Stewart Jennifer Berkshire and Jack Schneider on Their New Book ‘The Education Wars: A Citizen’s Guide and Defense Manual’ The History of Fascism and Anti-Fascism in America, with Bill Mullen and Christopher Vials Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music. Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social
#77
June 1 · 37 min
Pride Month Is a Riot, with Marlene Pray
Marlene Pray (she/her) is a queer activist, sexuality educator, and community organizer whose work spans over three decades of LGBTQ+ advocacy, anti-racism, and social justice movement-building. She founded and directs the Rainbow Room, Bucks County’s LGBTQ+ youth center at Planned Parenthood Keystone, which has been a lifeline for queer youth in the region for 24 years. A PhD candidate in Human Sexuality Education, Marlene has trained educators, organizations, and communities across the country on LGBTQ+ inclusion, racial equity, and youth empowerment. Her public service includes serving on Doylestown Borough Council, where she championed the borough’s LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination ordinance, and she continues to lead through board roles with the NAACP and NAMI Bucks County. Marlene lives in Doylestown and brings her whole self to the work — as an organizer, mother, homicide survivor, and earth-based celebrant committed to collective liberation. She joins me today to kick off Pride Month, to talk about its history as a riot, as protest, and as a demand, and what the fight for LGBTQ+ rights looks like today. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart ALSO LISTEN TO: How Local Journalism and Pro-Democracy Reporting Can Protect Main Street from Hate and Political Extremism, with Phil Williams Journalist Jordan Green on Why the Neo-Nazi Movement Is an Escalating Threat to US Democracy The History of Fascism and Anti-Fascism in America, with Bill Mullen and Christopher Vials Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music. Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social
#76
May 22 · 1 hr 16 min
Post Bucks County Democratic Primary Roundup with Kevin Mahoney and Cyril Mychalejko
Welcome, welcome everybody to a special edition of The Signal from the Bucks County Beacon. Today guest host Kevin Mahoney talks with Cyril Mychalejko, the editor-in-chief of the Bucks County Beacon, about this week’s primary elections. We’ll take a look at the results and focus on two of the contested Democratic primaries: the PA 01 House race to face Brian Fitzpatrick in November, and the PA 16th State Senate race that will challenge Moms for Liberty darling, Jarett Coleman. What do the results mean in November's mid-terms? We’ll also take a little stroll down memory lane as Cyril celebrates his fourth anniversary with the Beacon! That’s right, Cyril basically has the equivalent of a presidential term with the Beacon - and what a few years it has been. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart
#75
May 11 · 19 min
Why We Need 'AI for the People', with Congressman Ro Khanna
"I believe if we just give the AI revolution to tech billionaires we're going to have political unrest in this country." Ro Khanna is a Bucks County native who is a U.S. Representative in California’s 17th District. He is also vice chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Last month he wrote an article in The Nation, “AI for the People”, which laid out his vision “for an AI revolution that works for the many not just the billionaires.” He joins us today to talk about why he is an an AI-democratist, his policy vision for regulating this disruptive technology, and why we cannot allow Big Tech oligarchs to build a society where “AI ‘progress’ is defined by their wealth rather than by our democracy.” Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart READ: AI for the People, by Congressman Ro Khanna “The Nation” Is Siding With Humanity, by Katrina vanden Heuvel and John Nichols What We Need to Ask Ourselves About AI, by Senator Bernie Sanders As AI Breathes Down Our Necks, It’s Time for a Luddite Renaissance, by John Nichols ALSO LISTEN TO: Reading George Orwell in Trump’s America, With Laura Beers How Local Journalism and Pro-Democracy Reporting Can Protect Main Street from Hate and Political Extremism, with Phil Williams
#74
April 29 · 25 min
Democrat Tim Hayes Wants to Flip a Bucks County State House Seat from Red to Blue
Tim Hayes is an Army National Guard Veteran, Dublin Borough Council President, and Environmental Legislative Manager running for State Representative in Pennsylvania’s 143rd District. He joins us today to talk about growing up in Bucks County, his dedication to public service, and why Republican Shelby Labs has failed her constituents. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart READ: TIM HAYES: State House Bill Seeks to Protect Pennsylvania Communities from Data Center Impacts Three Bucks County Republican State Lawmakers Voted to Keep Pennsylvania’s Minimum Wage at $7.25 Per Hour Here’s How Bucks County State House Lawmakers Voted on Three Gun Safety Bills Pennsylvania House Passes 4 Bills to Protect ‘Obama Care’ for Pennsylvanians. Here’s How Your Bucks County Lawmakers Voted Bucks County Republican State Representatives K.C. Tomlinson and Craig Staats Vote Against Free Lunch for K-12 Students ALSO LISTEN TO: What Did Sheriff-Elect Danny Ceisler’s Victory and Bucks County Democrats’ Blue Wave on Election Day Teach Us? Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music. Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social
#73
April 24 · 30 min
Every Day Is Earth Day, with Delaware Riverkeeper Network’s Anneke van Rossum
Anneke van Rossum is the Advocacy and Advancement Coordinator at Delaware Riverkeeper Network. She has been in her staff role for just over 3 years but has a storied history with the organization going back to childhood. Anneke graduated from Ithaca College with her Bachelor of Arts in Politics and minored in Environmental Studies. She then went on to Vermont Law School where she graduated with her JD in 2022. Anneke role centers around education, community organizing, and overall uplifting of the powerful work Delaware Riverkeeper Network does. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart ALSO LISTEN TO: Barbara Simmons on International Women’s Day and Organizing for Peace in Bucks County Solidarity Journalism Can Help the Mainstream Media Restore Public Trust and Strengthen Democracy, with Dr. Anita Varma Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music. Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social
#72
April 9 · 29 min
How Local Journalism and Pro-Democracy Reporting Can Protect Main Street from Hate and Political Extremism, with Phil Williams
NewsChannel 5 Chief Investigative Reporter Phil Williams is one of the most highly acclaimed investigative journalists in America. He has been recognized with journalism’s most prestigious honors on multiple occasions throughout his 40-year career. He is a five-time recipient of the George Foster Peabody Award and a five-time recipient of the duPont Columbia Award, both considered broadcasting’s equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize. He was inducted into the ranks of some of America’s best-known reporters in 2023 when he was honored with the highly coveted John Chancellor Award for Excellence in Journalism. That award is administered by Columbia Journalism School. That same year, on his Last Week Tonight show, HBO’s John Oliver presented a 10-minute segment about Williams’s reporting, famously dubbing him “Nashville’s Nosiest Bitch” and citing his work as the type of unflinching journalism desperately needed in America. He joins us for Local News Day to discuss the importance of local media, his own pro-democracy reporting, and why for the last few years he and his team have refused to surrender to the fascist mob and continue to center their work on investigating and reporting about hate groups and political extremists looking to seize power and grow their influence in Tennessee (and beyond). Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart READ: Hate Comes to Main Street - Phil’s Newsletter ALSO LISTEN TO: Journalist Jordan Green on Why the Neo-Nazi Movement Is an Escalating Threat to US Democracy The History of Fascism and Anti-Fascism in America, with Bill Mullen and Christopher Vials From Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio to Bucks County’s Fred Harran: Why ICE 287(g) Partnerships Are So Dangerous, with Jessica Pishko Katherine Stewart Discusses Her New Book ‘Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy’ Former FBI Agent Who Once Infiltrated Neo-Nazi Groups and Militias Explains Why Law Enforcement Fails to Take Far-Right Extremism Seriously How Donald Trump and the MAGA Movement Will Legalize and Deploy Vigilantes to Push Their Agenda, with David Noll Unmasking Moms for Liberty’s Extremism, with Olivia Little and Diana Leygerman Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music. Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social
#71
March 16 · 49 min
Tom Taft on Bucks County Democrats' Efforts to Defeat Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in PA-01
Tom Taft comes from a family with a 200 year history of dedicated public service. Tom wanted to add to that and his own legacy with a run for Congress as a Democrat in PA-01 but had to end his campaign after failing to gather the required number of signatures. Nevertheless, he joins me today to talk about politics in Bucks County’s first congressional district and the race for the Democratic nomination in May for a chance to unseat Republican incumbent Brian Fitzpatrick. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart ALSO LISTEN TO: What Did Sheriff-Elect Danny Ceisler’s Victory and Bucks County Democrats’ Blue Wave on Election Day Teach Us? Could Progressive Congressional Candidate Lucia Simonelli Shock PA-01 With a Victory in the May Democratic Primary? Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music. Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social
#70
March 9 · 45 min
Barbara Simmons on International Women’s Day and Organizing for Peace in Bucks County
Barbara Simmons serves as executive director of The Peace Center, an educational peace and justice non-profit organization in Bucks County. After retiring from the role in 2019 (after 30 years in the position), she came out of retirement in October 2025 to once again lead the organization after it was announced it was planning on closing—something she couldn’t let happen. Barbara spoke with me today to talk about International Women’s Day, what’s new at The Peace Center, and the organizing work around making Bucks County a more just, inclusive, and compassionate community. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart READ: Transcript: Barbara Simmons on International Women’s Day and Organizing for Peace in Bucks County Bucks County’s Peace Center Isn’t Going Anywhere On International Day of Peace, Let’s Pledge to Make Peace a Bigger Part of Our Lives Why I Commemorate the Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Raising Our Children as Future Leaders in an Era of Book Banning and Attacks on ‘Critical Race Theory’ ALSO LISTEN TO: The Radical History of International Women’s Day and the Feminist Movement, with Liza Featherstone Radical Independent Media, Feminist Struggles, and International Women’s Day: A View from Latin America, with Dawn Paley Peace Activism from Bucks County to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, with Barbara Simmons Sylvia Pankhurst – Suffragette Socialist and Scourge of Empire, with Dr. Kate Connelly The 365 Foundation’s Natalie Venezia on Promoting Women’s Empowerment Through Art, Advocacy, and Community Service After Misogyny: How the Law Fails Women and What to Do about It, with Julie C. Suk Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music. Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social
#69
March 4 · 35 min
Anti-Fascist, Dystopian YA Novel Inspired by Central Bucks School District, with author Rich Shifman
An anti-fascist, dystopian YA novel published last week, We Were the Cuckoos Bees, was inspired in large part by Central Bucks School District during a time when Moms for Liberty and right-wing Christian extremists captured the school board in the early part of this decade. This is a story the Bucks County Beacon has reported on in great detail. Today I speak with local author Rich Shifman, who writes YA stories under the pen name, R.B. Shifman, about his new book which he dedicated to local Bucks County residents who helped flip the school board in late 2023 to bring sanity, common sense and compassion back to the school district. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart READ: Meet Three of the Neighbors Who United to Defend Public Education in Central Bucks School District Moms for Liberty CEO and Co-Founder Tina Descovich Verbally Attacks the Bucks County Beacon at Harrisburg-Area Event We Must Continue to Defend the Freedom to Read in Central Bucks School District It Takes A Village: Expelling Right-Wing Extremism From Bucks County School Districts ALSO LISTEN TO: Unmasking Moms for Liberty’s Extremism, with Olivia Little and Diana Leygerman Raising a Transgender Child in an Increasingly Transphobic Country and School District, with Brett Freeman Fighting for Students’ and Teachers’ Rights in Central Bucks School District, with ACLU’s Witold Walczak The Christian Right’s Crusade for Power and War on Democracy, with Katherine Stewart Jennifer Berkshire and Jack Schneider on Their New Book ‘The Education Wars: A Citizen’s Guide and Defense Manual’ The History of Fascism and Anti-Fascism in America, with Bill Mullen and Christopher Vials Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music. Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social
#68
February 18 · 43 min
Arts and Culture Journalism Is Thriving in Philly, with Broad Street Review's Alaina Johns and Kyle Hiller
Arts and Culture journalism and criticism is thriving in Philly thanks in part to the Broad Street Review - which just received a citation from the Philadelphia City Council in honor of its 20 year anniversary. Two of the people responsible for this publication’s success join me today. Alaina Johns has been editor-in-chief of Broad Street Review since 2018. She is a Philadelphia-based journalist and cultural critic covering our region since 2007. Associate Editor Kyle Hiller is born and raised in West Philadelphia. He practices Restorative Yoga, is a hobbyist DJ, and is the author of the 2016 novel The Recital. They talk about their work and the critical role of arts journalism in today's society. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart ALSO LISTEN TO: Reading George Orwell in Trump’s America, With Laura Beers The Normalization of Book Banning in the United States, With PEN America’s Sabrina Baêta Solidarity Journalism Can Help the Mainstream Media Restore Public Trust and Strengthen Democracy, with Dr. Anita Varma Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music. Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social
#67
February 9 · 1 hr
Tracy Hunt Wants to Bring His Pragmatic Optimism to Washington as PA-01’s Next Congressman
Tracy Hunt is a husband, father, hardworking attorney, a Business Law Professor at DelVal University, and a Democratic candidate for Congress in PA-01. He joins The Signal to talk about why he recently left the Republican Party, his views on a wide range of policies, and why he believes he can bring pragmatic and effective representation to Washington at a time when it is sorely lacking. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart READ: Tracy Hunt: Democracy Is for All of Us, Not Just the Party Insiders ALSO LISTEN TO: What Did Sheriff-Elect Danny Ceisler’s Victory and Bucks County Democrats’ Blue Wave on Election Day Teach Us? Could Progressive Congressional Candidate Lucia Simonelli Shock PA-01 With a Victory in the May Democratic Primary? Rob Strickler Wants to Challenge the Status Quo in His Run for Congress in PA-01 Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music. Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social
#66
February 4 · 44 min
Lucia Simonelli's Journey: From Academia to U.S. Senate Advisor, Now Activism to PA-01’s Congressional Seat?
Lucia Simonelli is an Italian-American whose upbringing instilled a great appreciation for public services such as public education, public transportation, public parks, and more. Born in Landsdale, she has lived, travelled and worked around the globe, before settling down in Quakertown. Politically, she has worked to make change both inside and outside of government, from serving as a scientific advisor in the United States Senate, working on energy and climate policy, to organizing with the Upper Bucks United Indivisible Chapter. Now, she is running in the Democratic congressional primary in May for a chance to unseat incumbent Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. Could Lucia be PA-01’s AOC? I’ll be speaking to each of the candidates on this podcast to give listeners a chance to get to know them better. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart READ: Political ‘Outsider’ Rob Strickler Announces Congressional Run in PA-01 ALSO LISTEN TO: What Did Sheriff-Elect Danny Ceisler’s Victory and Bucks County Democrats’ Blue Wave on Election Day Teach Us? Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music. Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social
#65
February 1 · 44 min
Rob Strickler Wants to Challenge the Status Quo in His Run for Congress in PA01
On this episode of the signal I welcome Rob Strickler. Rob is a political outsider who is running in the Democratic Party congressional primary in May for a chance to unseat incumbent Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. We discuss his blue-collar upbringing in Levittown, his political awakening, and why he thinks he is the best person to represent Pennsylvania’s first congressional district. I’ll be speaking to each of the candidates on this podcast to give listeners a chance to get to know them better. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart READ: Political ‘Outsider’ Rob Strickler Announces Congressional Run in PA-01 ALSO LISTEN TO: What Did Sheriff-Elect Danny Ceisler’s Victory and Bucks County Democrats’ Blue Wave on Election Day Teach Us? Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music. Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social
#64
January 28 · 43 min
Reading George Orwell in Trump’s America, With Laura Beers
Back in December I read an article Laura Beers published in The Conversation where she compared White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s press conference on the so-called truth about the good news of the state of the economy under President Trump’s stewardship to the repeated pronouncements of the Ministry of Plenty in George Orwell’s ‘1984.’ This led me to pick up and read her book Orwell's Ghosts: Wisdom and Warnings for the Twenty-First Century. Beers is a professor of British history at American University whose writing has appeared in the New Republic, Washington Post, CNN, among other publications. She joined me today to speak about her book and the enduring value of Orwell's insights for modern society, especially under this new Trump Regime. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and iheart READ: Karoline Leavitt’s White House briefing doublethink is straight out of Orwell’s ‘1984’ Philadelphia Sues Over Trump Administration’s Removal of Slavery Exhibit at Independence National Historical Park Pittsburgh Professors Say Research Was Weaponized in Trump’s Higher Education Fight AI Is the Next Frontier for Far-Right Extremists to Spread Propaganda, Incite Violence, and Recruit New Followers Always Watching: How ICE’s Plan to Monitor Social Media 24/7 Threatens Privacy and Civic Participation ALSO LISTEN TO: The Normalization of Book Banning in the United States, With PEN America’s Sabrina Baêta The History of Fascism and Anti-Fascism in America, with Bill Mullen and Christopher Vials Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music. Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social @rcpress.bsky.social
#63
January 15 · 1 hr 6 min
Welcome to Season 4 of The Signal: Looking back at 2025. Looking ahead to 2026.
Welcome to the first episode of season 4 of The Signal from the Bucks County Beacon. Today, Kevin Mahoney sits down with Cyril Mychalejko, the editor-in-chief of the Bucks County Beacon, to talk about what the New Year has in store for The Beacon. We also take a look back at some of the most significant stories published in the Beacon in 2025. We’re going to need independent, community supported progressive media in the weeks, months, and years ahead. There could not be a better time to take a moment to head over BucksCountyBeacon.com and click on the Support the Beacon button and become a supporter. You can become a monthly entry-level supporter for as little as $1/month. Or, jump right in as a regular supporter for just $5/month, or a yearly supporter for at little as $50/year. Or, you can drop a one-time donation to help keep the Beacon’s critical lens focused and sustainable. Just go to BucksCountyBeacon.com, click on the Support the Beacon button and become a supporter today. Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google and iheart READ: The Bucks County Beacon Looks Back at 2025 Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social @rcpress.bsky.social
#62
Dec 12, 2025 · 44 min
The MAGA-fication of the U.S. Military, with Bucks County Veteran Steve Nolan
On this week’s episode of the Signal we welcome back Bucks County’s Steve Nolan. Steve spent 30 years in the military and 25 years as a mental health professional. He is the author of the 2020 book American Carnage, An Officer’s Duty to Warn, and today Steve is here to warn us again about the MAGA-fication of the military and How Pete Hegseth is running Trump’s Department of War. Listen on Apple, Spotify, Google and iheart READ: Trump’s Pardon of Honduran Ex-President Who Conspired to Traffic Over 400 Tons of Cocaine Into US Exposes ‘War on Drugs’ Myth Leaked DHS Memo Shows Trump Administration Wants to Deploy Military on City Streets to Hunt Down Immigrants ‘Bro Culture’ on Top at the Pentagon Here’s What Project 2025 Has Planned for the Military Trump Tells Military Brass ‘We’re Under Invasion From Within’ and US Cities Should Be ‘Training Grounds for Our Military’ Using Black Hawk Helicopters and Chemical Agents, ICE Agents Turn Chicago Into a ‘War Zone’ How the Trump Administration Turned Immigration Courts Into Deportation Traps for ICE ALSO LISTEN TO: Is Donald Trump Mentally Unfit to Be Commander in Chief? An Interview with Military Veteran and Mental Health Professional Steve Nolan American Carnage: An Officer’s Duty to Warn, with Steve Nolan Former FBI Agent Who Once Infiltrated Neo-Nazi Groups and Militias Explains Why Law Enforcement Fails to Take Far-Right Extremism Seriously How Donald Trump and the MAGA Movement Will Legalize and Deploy Vigilantes to Push Their Agenda, with David Noll Music by Maf é Tulà and Cartas a Felice, "La Loca." Panela Music. Follow us on BlueSky: @buckscountybeacon.bsky.social @cmychalejko.bsky.social @rcpress.bsky.social

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