Thom Hartmann

Thom Hartmann is a prominent American radio host, author, and progressive political commentator who has shaped public discourse since the early 2000s. He is best known for hosting The Thom Hartmann Program, a nationally syndicated radio show that began in 2003, and for his extensive body of written work on politics, economics, and environmental issues. Born in 1951 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Hartmann's early political engagement began during his teenage years, though his views evolved significantly from his conservative upbringing. His activism started early when he was expelled from high school for publishing an anti-Vietnam War newspaper, after which he earned his GED and later attended Michigan State University. As an author, Hartmann has written extensively on diverse topics including attention deficit disorder, American history, and progressive politics. His books include "The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight," which addresses environmental sustainability, and "Unequal Protection," which examines corporate personhood and its impact on American democracy. Hartmann's media presence expanded beyond radio to television when he hosted "The Big Picture" from 2010 to 2017, further establishing his role as a significant voice in progressive political commentary. His work consistently focuses on economic inequality, environmental conservation, and democratic reform.

Readers praise Hartmann's ability to break down complex political and environmental issues into understandable concepts. Many readers on Goodreads and Amazon mention his thorough research and clear presentation of historical context. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of complicated topics - Extensive research and citations - Connection of historical events to current issues - Solutions-focused approach "He presents well-documented evidence rather than just opinions," notes one Amazon reviewer. What readers disliked: - Some repetition between books - Occasional partisan tone - Can be too dense with information "The points are good but sometimes get lost in excessive detail," writes a Goodreads reviewer. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 4.1/5 across all books Amazon: 4.3/5 average - "The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight": 4.6/5 - "Unequal Protection": 4.4/5 Conservative readers often rate his books lower, citing political bias, while progressive readers rate them higher based on depth of analysis and historical context.

Unequal Protection Examines how corporations gained constitutional rights meant for human beings and the implications for American democracy.

The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight Details humanity's reliance on fossil fuels and explores solutions for sustainable living in a post-carbon world.

ADHD: Hunter in a Farmer's World Presents the theory that ADHD represents an evolutionary advantage rather than a disorder.

We the People: A Call to Take Back America Analyzes the historical roots of American democracy and outlines strategies for democratic reform.

The Hidden History Series A collection of concise books examining various aspects of American history and their impact on current politics.

Walking Your Blues Away Explores how bilateral movement through walking can help process trauma and emotional distress.

The Edison Gene Investigates the genetic basis of ADHD and its potential evolutionary advantages in human society.

Screwed: The Undeclared War Against the Middle Class Documents economic policies and corporate practices affecting middle-class Americans.

Cracking the Code Analyzes political communication techniques and their influence on public opinion.

The Prophet's Way Combines personal narrative with spiritual and ecological insights from various cultures.

Noam Chomsky A political theorist and linguist who writes extensively about media, democracy, and corporate power in America. His analytical approach to examining power structures and media influence parallels Hartmann's focus on democratic reform and corporate influence.

Chris Hedges A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who writes about American politics, corporate power, and environmental degradation. His examination of American empire and democracy's decline shares themes with Hartmann's work on corporate influence and political reform.

Robert Reich A former U.S. Secretary of Labor who writes about economic inequality and corporate power in America. His focus on economic justice and corporate accountability aligns with Hartmann's analysis of economic systems and corporate influence.

Amy Goodman A journalist and author who covers progressive politics, environmental issues, and corporate accountability. Her work through Democracy Now! and her books address many of the same themes as Hartmann regarding media reform and democratic participation.

Bill McKibben An environmental author and activist who writes about climate change and sustainability. His work on environmental issues and corporate responsibility in climate change mirrors Hartmann's environmental writing and activism.