This time on Code WACK!
Today, we’re talking about rising healthcare costs and the renewed momentum behind Medicare for All. Recent polling shows majority support for the idea across Democrats, independents, and even a notable share of Republicans, even when voters are told it would replace most private insurance and require higher taxes.
As premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs continue to climb, healthcare affordability is once again at the forefront of the political debate. To help us unpack what’s driving this support and whether it represents a real political opportunity, we’re joined by longtime healthcare advocate and policy strategist Michael Lighty, president of Healthy California Now and former healthcare constituency director for the Bernie 2020 campaign. This is the first of two episodes with Michael Lighty.
Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!
And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.
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This time on Code WACK!
Today, we’re talking about rising healthcare costs and the renewed momentum behind Medicare for All. Recent polling shows majority support for the idea across Democrats, independents, and even a notable share of Republicans, even when voters are told it would replace most private insurance and require higher taxes.
As premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs continue to climb, healthcare affordability is once again at the forefront of the political debate. To help us unpack what’s driving this support and whether it represents a real political opportunity, we’re joined by longtime healthcare advocate and policy strategist Michael Lighty, president of Healthy California Now and former healthcare constituency director for the Bernie 2020 campaign. This is the first of two episodes with Michael Lighty.
Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!
And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.
Erik Dane on ALS, Disability Visibility, and Refusing to Give Up
Progressive Voices
54 minutes 19 seconds
5 days ago
Erik Dane on ALS, Disability Visibility, and Refusing to Give Up
Erik Dane on ALS, Disability Visibility, and Refusing to Give Up
Erik Dane—forever remembered by many as “McSteamy” from Grey’s Anatomy—has lived much of his career in the spotlight. From blockbuster films to hit television shows, and more recently capturing a new generation on Euphoria, his career has continued to evolve. But in April 2025, at the height of renewed success, Dane was diagnosed with ALS—a devastating disease with no cure.
Now using a wheelchair, Erik Dane is still acting, still creating, and still showing up. He recently appeared on Brilliant Minds and participated in a powerful media panel discussing the role, disability visibility, and what it means to continue working in an industry that rarely makes space for visible illness. We bring you that panel—and the conversation it sparked.
As we look ahead to the new year, Erik Dane’s story is a profound reminder of two essential truths: nothing matters more than your health, and even when your body isn’t cooperating, your dreams don’t have to end.
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Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer, reporting from Las Vegas with his service dog Ember.
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https://youtube.com/live/RNxrJZohY8E
Progressive Voices
This time on Code WACK!
Today, we’re talking about rising healthcare costs and the renewed momentum behind Medicare for All. Recent polling shows majority support for the idea across Democrats, independents, and even a notable share of Republicans, even when voters are told it would replace most private insurance and require higher taxes.
As premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs continue to climb, healthcare affordability is once again at the forefront of the political debate. To help us unpack what’s driving this support and whether it represents a real political opportunity, we’re joined by longtime healthcare advocate and policy strategist Michael Lighty, president of Healthy California Now and former healthcare constituency director for the Bernie 2020 campaign. This is the first of two episodes with Michael Lighty.
Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!
And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.
