United SHE Stands

* Whittney Wood for Ohio

* Whittney’s Social Media:

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* Rep. Anita Somani - Ohio House District 8

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Medicaid, Affordability, and Ohio's November Ballot with Rep. Anita Somani

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 186, Rep. Anita Somani joins us to break down looming changes to Ohio’s Medicaid program, her push for a state reinsurance program, and what voters need to know about SJR10 before heading to the polls this November. We also dig into the House Democratic Caucus’s affordability agenda called “An Ohio You Can Afford”.

Dr. Anita Somani is currently serving her second term as State Representative for Ohio’s 8th House District, which includes the cities of Dublin and Worthington. For the last three decades, Dr. Somani has worked in Columbus as a highly respected healthcare professional, currently as an OBGYN at OhioHealth. Dr. Somani is a past board member of the Columbus Medical Association and Planned Parenthood. She is currently a Board Member of LEAD Ohio.

Dr. Somani ran for office because she believes the state of Ohio has gone down the wrong path regarding prominent issues such as health care, increasing abortion restrictions and the loosening of gun laws, all of which disproportionately affect marginalized communities. As a physician and legislator, she has used her medical background to improve the public health of our state and to create evidence-based legislation that helps everyone in our community. She currently serves on the House Medicaid Committee and serves as Ranking Member on the House Health committee.

Dr. Somani lives in Columbus with her husband where they raised their son, an engineer and their daughter, an OB/GYN.

Resources:

* Ohio House Democrats Unveil “An Ohio You Can Afford” Legislative Package

* Social Media:

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* Re-elect Judge Myron Duhart

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Appellate Courts: What They Do and Why They Matter with Judge Myron Duhart

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 185, we sit down with Judge Myron Duhart to break down what an appellate court actually does and why those down-ballot judicial races deserve more than a passing glance.

Judge Duhart is a native of Toledo, Ohio. He is the proud father of three and has been married to wife Nicole for 29 years. Myron grew up in the central city. He graduated from St. Francis De Sales High School and after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was later commissioned as a lieutenant in the Army Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG).

While serving his country he earned a B.A. in Political Science from Wright State University Dayton, Ohio and went on to receive his J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law. Judge Duhart received a L.L.M. in judicial studies from Duke University School of Law and he attended the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Also Judge Duhart has been a long time adjunct lecturer in law at the University of Toledo College of Law where he teaches trial practice.

Throughout his legal career, he litigated a number of high profile criminal cases all over northwest Ohio and was one of a select cadre of attorneys certified by the State of Ohio to handle death penalty cases. He has been admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court.

In January 2011, Judge Duhart was appointed by former Governor Ted Strickland as one of ten (10) judges who serve on the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas bench. In addition to hearing serious felony criminal cases and large civil cases, Judge Duhart has served as a commercial docket judge hearing cases dealing with business-related disputes. In 2020, Judge Duhart was elected to the Court of Appeals where he served as Presiding judge.

As an Army veteran, Judge Duhart served this country with distinction. As an attorney he worked tirelessly to protect the rights afforded to citizens both rich and poor. As a volunteer, he has unselfishly devoted his time and talent to a wide variety of causes. As a judge on the 6th District Court of Appeals he will continue to act with fairness and integrity.

Resources:

* Social Media:

* Article about the Capital Care Network/Reproductive Rights case Judge Duhart worked on in 2016

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

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* Baker for Progress Campaign Website

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He Ran Without the Party and Got 44% Anyway | Jesse Baker on His Progressive Run for Ohio State Senate

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 184, we sit down with Jesse Baker, a progressive challenger who ran a scrappy, grassroots campaign for Ohio State Senate with no establishment support and nearly pulled off an upset - earning 44% of the vote and over 12,000 Ohioans behind him.

Jesse is an Ohio native from Findlay and a graduate of The Ohio State University, now living in Columbus’s Hilltop neighborhood with his wife Emily and their two cats. Rather than a career in politics, Jesse spent his professional life in business and technology - solving problems and helping organizations operate more effectively.

Raised by a single father, Jesse has personally navigated food stamps, years without health insurance, and student loan debt. He didn’t just observe these systems — he lived them. That experience drives his belief that the Statehouse has grown disconnected from working Ohioans, and that the Democratic Party has prioritized its own power over boldly fighting for people.

Jesse’s campaign is centered on fighting for working families, protecting individual rights, and building a more affordable Ohio - led by transparent, courageous leaders willing to put real solutions ahead of partisan games and monied interests.

Resources:

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Building the Next Generation of Women Leaders Through Brain Science with Sarah Jakle of DemocraShe

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 183, we sit down with Sarah Jakle of DemocraShe to explore how brain science is unlocking a new generation of bold, civically engaged women leaders.

Sarah Jakle is the Founder and Executive Director of DemocraShe, a nonpartisan national nonprofit empowering underserved high school girls to become future leaders, voters, and elected officials. Her approach uniquely integrates brain science into civic leadership training, helping young women overcome barriers, build courage and ambition, and claim their place in public life.

Previously, Sarah served as Get Out The Vote Director for California NOW and National Outreach Director for Field Team 6. Her passion for women in politics began as an intern at the Women’s Council of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Sarah has a Bachelors from Yale, a Masters in Social Work from USC and a Masters in Public Policy from UCLA. She was a 2025 Movement Builder Fellow with How Women Lead and was a Fellow with Obama’s Organizing For Action.

Resources:

* DemocraShe

* DemocraShe Application

* Sarah’s LinkedIn

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

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* Red, Wine, and Blue - Ohio

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Don't Wait for the Wave: Organizing to Win the House with Andrew Grossman of Battleground Alliance

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 182, we talk with Andrew Grossman of Battleground Alliance about why Democrats can’t afford to wait for a wave election and how a $50 million, labor-backed organizing operation across 37 Republican-held House districts is building the infrastructure to win back the House majority in 2026.

Andrew is a nationally recognized campaign innovator and leader specializing in strategy, campaign management, and executive recruitment for campaigns, non-profits, advocacy groups and unions.

Since starting Grossman Solutions in 2007, he helped pass the Affordable Care Act, served as Director of the Democratic National Convention Platform Committee four times, and created a distinctive talent recruitment practice, placing hundreds of leaders at organizations including America Vote, Planned Parenthood and several Democratic party committees. His earlier roles include executive and political director at the DSCC (1999–2004), founder and president of Wal‑Mart Watch (2005–2007), and field organizer for Jesse Jackson’s 1988 campaign.

Resources:

* Battleground Alliance

* Ohio Organizing Collaborative

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

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* The Women’s Health Playbook

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The Women’s Health Playbook with Priya Bathija

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 181, we sit down with our first three-peat guest and our friend, Priya Bathija, to talk about her new podcast that every woman needs to listen to - The Women’s Health Playbook!

Priya is a sought-after speaker and expert on women’s health, with more than 20 years of experience working with hospitals, tech start-ups, and public health organizations to make healthcare better for patients and providers alike. She blends strategic insight, practical experience, and a focus on scalable solutions with a deep understanding of the people and businesses healthcare impacts.

Women’s health has been a consistent throughline in Priya’s career. In 2022, she founded Nyoo Health - driven by a clear vision of how healthcare can lead change and the urgent need to act. Nyoo Health helps healthcare organizations rethink women’s health in realistic, actionable steps that start now – resulting in better care, inspired staff, and healthier outcomes for everyone.

Resources:

* Nyoo Health

* Priya’s LinkedIn

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

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* Tad’s Website - Buy A Resistance History of the United States here!

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A Resistance History of the United States: Meet the Moment with Tad Stoermer

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Tad Stoermer — Tue, 26 May 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 180, we talk with Tad Stoermer about his book A Resistance History of the United States - the buried stories, the patriot mythology used to contain dissent, and the principles history offers us for meeting the moment we're living through right now.

Tad Stoermer is a public historian who trained at the University of Virginia, Johns Hopkins, and Harvard, with a particular focus on Colonial and Revolutionary America. He is also a former congressional staffer and speechwriter, and he served in the US Army and Reserves as a reconnaissance scout. He currently lives in Denmark.

Resources:

* Social Media

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

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* Ohio Progressive Democrats

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What Progressive Means in Ohio: Kim McCarthy on Building Power from the Inside while Running for Office

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 19 May 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 179, we talk with Kim McCarthy about building power from the inside, including her campaign for the 70th Ohio House district, the Ohio Progressive Caucus, and what progressive politics actually looks like in Ohio.

Kim became politically engaged through the Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011, later advocating on issues like corporate accountability and GMO labeling before turning her focus to local politics after the 2016 election. Using her accounting background, she challenged ineffective representation in Greene County, running strong grassroots campaigns in 2018 and 2020 that significantly shifted vote margins and broke fundraising records. She was elected Chair of the Greene County Democratic Party in 2022, where she works to rebuild the party around progressive values. An immigrant from Australia and a mother of three, Kim supports universal healthcare, a living wage, paid leave, environmental stewardship, and removing billionaire influence from politics.

Resources:

* Kim’s Campaign Website

* Join the Ohio Democratic Party Progressive Caucus!

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

The Book All Over Your Feed: Debriefing Yesteryear with Traci Thomas of The Stacks

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Traci Thomas — Thu, 14 May 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Surprise! Bonus episode! In episode 178, we're joined by Traci Thomas of The Stacks podcast to debrief Caro Claire Burke's debut novel Yesteryear - yes, the book you’ve been seeing all over social media.

Traci is the creator and host of the critically acclaimed literary podcast, The Stacks. She is a passionate champion of books and a deeply curious interviewer. Traci is a monthly contributor on NPR’s Here & Now, a columnist for shereads.com, the creator of the LAist live literary series, One for the Books. She also hosts and moderates literary events, book festivals, and author talks nationwide. Traci’s Substack, Unstacked, is a place where she dives deeper into books, and also discusses topics outside the literary world like pop culture, sports, politics, and more.

Away from The Stacks, Traci is a lover of hot takes, a watcher of sports, and a true snack enthusiast. Originally from Oakland, CA, she now lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Mr. Stacks, and her twin boys, the Mini Stacks.

Resources

* The Stacks Podcast

* Patreon

* Unstacked - Substack

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* Fill out the form to volunteer!

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Ohio Equal Rights: Equal Rights and Marriage Equality for Every Ohioan

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Ohio Equal Rights — Tue, 12 May 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 177, we sit down with Liz Schmidt, the Executive Committee Co-Chair of Ohio Equal Rights, to talk about the campaign to amend Ohio's constitution and make it the strongest equal rights framework in the nation.

Ohio's constitution offers no equal rights protections for residents. There are no protections from government discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or other attributes. Marriage equality rests only on federal guarantees that could be reversed. Ohio Equal Rights is pursuing two citizen-led ballot amendments to change that, the Ohio Equal Rights Amendment and The Ohio Right to Marry Amendment, potentially making Ohio home to the most comprehensive state equal rights framework in the nation.

Resources:

* Ohio Equal Rights

* Find out where to sign the petitions!

* Social Media:

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

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* Report - Data Centers, Ohio’s Electric Grid, and Your Power Bill

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Ohio, We Have a Data Center Problem: A Conversation with Innovation Ohio

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 05 May 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 176, we are finally talking about DATA CENTERS. Ohio is in the middle of a data center boom. Google, Amazon, Meta, and dozens of other tech giants are building massive facilities across the state — particularly in Central Ohio — drawn by cheap land, fiber infrastructure, and generous tax breaks from our Statehouse. While these companies are selling the story of jobs and economic growth, a report from Innovation Ohio raises serious questions about who is really footing the bill. The answer unfortunately, is all of us.

Joining us today is Michael McGovern, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, the organization behind that report. Innovation Ohio is Ohio’s Progressive politics and policy hub. It’s an organization that bridges advocacy, activism, and policymaking in Ohio. By building coalitions, conducting research, and coordinating messaging campaigns, they tackle critical issues at the local, state, and federal levels. Their work focuses on improving the lives of Ohio workers and families, creating opportunities for all Ohioans, and strengthening communities from the ground up.

And today with Michael, we’re going to dig into what’s actually happening to Ohio’s electric grid, why the average Ohio family could be looking at roughly $70 more on their monthly power bill by 2028, and what state lawmakers are (and aren’t) doing about it. This is a conversation every Ohioan needs to hear.

Resources:

* Innovation Ohio

* Report - The Power Plant Next Door: How a Little-Known Ohio Law Is Silencing Local Communities

* Ohio House Bill 706

* Ohio House Bill 695

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

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* Our Ohio Primary Voter Guide (via Sway)

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Your Guide to the Ohio Primary Election on May 5th

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 175, we break down the Ohio Primary on May 5th, walking you through statewide races, the Senate special election, Ohio Supreme Court races, congressional districts across the state, and more.

Resources:

* Ohio - Find out what’s on your ballot!

* Find Your District

* Columbus Safety Collective - Issue 5 (VOTE YES)

* Voting in Primaries: What Are They?

* 2026 Midterm Election FAQ (League of Women Voters of Ohio)

* Democratic Party primaries in Ohio, 2026

* Ohio state executive official elections, 2026

* Michael Eisner in the Democratic primary for Ohio’s 7th Congressional District: endorsement editorial

* United States House of Representatives elections in Ohio, 2026

* United States Senate special election in Ohio, 2026

* Ohio Supreme Court elections, 2026

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Donate to Tom’s Campaign

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Young, Fired Up, and Done Waiting: Tom Herner for Ohio House District 37

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 174, we sit down with Tom Herner, Democratic candidate for Ohio House District 37, to talk about what it takes to flip a seat, fight public corruption, and actually represent the people who sent you to Columbus.

Tom Herner is a lifelong Ohioan, Centerville High School graduate, and Wright State University alumnus running for State Representative in District 37. Raised by union parents and conceived through IVF, Tom is a direct product of the public schools and reproductive healthcare he now fights to protect.

With over a decade of experience in banking, internal auditing, and entrepreneurship, Tom brings a sharp eye for accountability to Columbus. He is dedicated to lowering the cost of living by expanding the Homestead Exemption, fully funding public schools through the Fair School Funding Plan, and ensuring Ohio remains a state where reproductive freedom is a protected right. Learn more about Tom’s campaign at TomforOhio.com.

Resources:

* Tom’s Campaign Website

* Volunteer for Tom’s Campaign

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Run for Something Website

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Run for Something, Fight for Everything, Change America with Amanda Litman

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Amanda Litman — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 173, we talk with Amanda Litman, the cofounder and president of Run for Something, which recruits and supports young, diverse leaders running for local office. We talk about what it really takes to rebuild Democratic power from the ground up and why the path forward might look different than you’d expect.

Since 2017, Run for Something has launched the careers of thousands of millennials and Gen Z candidates and in the process, changed what leadership looks like in America. Amanda is also the author of two books: When We’re In Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership, and Run for Something: A Real-Talk Guide to Fixing the System Yourself, a how-to manual for people running for office.

Before launching Run for Something, Amanda worked on multiple presidential and statewide political campaigns. She graduated from Northwestern University and lives in Brooklyn with her husband, two daughters, and their sometimes rowdy dog.

Resources:

* Ready to Run? Start here!

* Run for Something’s Social Media

* Amanda’s Website

* Amanda’s Books

* When We’re in Charge

* Run for Something

* Amanda’s Social Media

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

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* Donate to Carl’s Campaign

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We Have a Primary Challenger: Carl Setzer Wants to Represent Ohio's 14th Congressional District

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 172, congressional candidate Carl Setzer tells us how he went from insider to outsider. He was raised inside the ultra-conservative movement and is now running as a Democrat in Ohio’s 14th District with a very different vision for what public service should look like.

Carl Setzer, born in Ohio, experienced firsthand the consequences when powerful individuals in Ohio politics face no accountability. He has navigated through broken systems—government, corporations, and movements that demand loyalty yet deliver nothing in return. From factory floors to foreign capitals, Carl Setzer has witnessed who gets crushed and who receives protection, shaping his perspective as he runs for Congress.

Resources:

* Setzer for Congress

* Carl’s Interview with The Rooster

* Social Media

* Abundance (Carl’s wife’s restaurant)

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

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* We Back Zach - Campaign Website

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Dad, Doctor, Democrat: Zach Rossfeld is Running for Ohio House District 7

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 171, we sit down with Zach Rossfeld, candidate for Ohio House District 7. As a practicing physician and former Ohio Medicaid official, Zach has seen firsthand what broken policy costs real people and he's done waiting for someone else to fix it. We talk healthcare, public schools, reproductive rights, and what gives him hope.

Zach is a dad and a doctor who’s running for quality, funded schools and for healthcare that puts people first. A lifelong Ohioan, he and his wife Kara are raising their two children (and puppy) in Clintonville. Dr. Rossfeld sees patients as an Associate Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine at Ohio State and, until this campaign, had served as an Assistant Medical Director for Ohio Medicaid. He understands what it takes to be an effective policymaker and has a track record of shaping large programs to help everyday Ohioans. With his two young children in public school and his patients struggling to get the care they deserve, Dr. Rossfeld knows that we all deserve better. And that’s why he’s running for state representative: for the public good.

Resources:

* Donate to Zach’s Campaign

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Substack - Haley Pepper

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Influencer Expectations, Avoiding Accountability, and the Male Gaze: A Conversation with Haley Pepper

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Haley Pepper — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 170, we’re joined by our new friend Haley Pepper! We dig into the nuance of whether influencers have a responsibility to speak up, how beauty culture and the male gaze are being reexamined, and what it really means to ‘protect your peace’ when the world is on fire.

Haley is a women’s health activist, birth and postpartum doula, NFL wife, and mom of two. She hosts Detoxed, which is an evidence-based wellness podcast dedicated to redefining and reclaiming women's health beyond trends and consumerism. She’s loud on social media about politics and we LOVE her for it!

Resources:

* Substack - DETOXED

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

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* TAKE ACTION: Ohio Statehouse 2025-2026

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Ohio This Month: We’re Building Something New & BS at the Statehouse

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 169, we announce the launch of Ohio Creators for Progress, a digital organizing network bringing together creators from across the state to win elections online. We also break down some of the worst bills moving through the Ohio Statehouse right now and share how you can take action.

Resources:

* OhioBills.WTF

* Ohio House Bill 1

* Ohio Senate Bill 88

* Ohio Senate Bill 156

* Ohio House Bill 269

* Bill would require schools to teach Ohio students ‘success sequence’ as life path

* Ohio House Bill 585

* Ohio House Bill 249

* Trans Ohio - Calls to Action

* Ohio House Bill 561

* Abortion Fund of Ohio - House Bill 347

* Ohio House Bill 347

* Abortion Forward - Action alert: Stop 24-hour waiting periods

* Ohio House Bill 531

* Honesty for Ohio Education - Help Stop Ohio HB 531

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Jerrad Christian for Congress

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People First Always: Jerrad Christian is for Ohioans

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 168, we chat with Jerrad Christian, Democrat running for Ohio's 12th Congressional District on a no-corporate-money, people-first platform. We get into healthcare, foreign policy, the economy, and what hope looks like when the stakes feel impossibly high.

Jerrad Christian grew up in rural Ohio in a working-poor family where government programs and community weren’t abstract policy debates; they were the difference between eating and not. He couch-surfed as a kid, watched his mom fight cancer with Medicare keeping her alive, and saw Social Security barely stretch far enough for the people in his life.

Jerrad served in the U.S. Navy as a flight deck fueler on a carrier during Operation Iraqi Freedom and, later, a meteorologist and oceanographer. After getting out and becoming a father, he took a job as a janitor in a factory - now he’s a software engineer. He’s never been rich; he worked his way to where he is through a lot of work and a lot of luck. He want successes like his to be the rule, not the exception.

Jerrad is running for office because he refuses to hand his son a country hollowed out by corruption, cruelty, and short-term thinking. He believes in clean water, honest government, working families, being a good human, and telling the truth even when it’s uncomfortable. He doesn’t worship politicians. He doesn’t punch down. And he won’t back away from a fight when the stakes are this high.

Resources:

* Donate to Jerrad’s Campaign

* Social Media:

We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️

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* Sean Connolly for Ohio | Ohio's 6th Congressional District

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From Tattoo Shop to Capitol Hill: Sean Connolly Runs for Ohio’s 6th Congressional District

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 167, we sit down with Sean Connolly to talk about what it looks like to run for Congress as a labor Democrat in a true primary. We dig into his bold vision for investing in eastern Ohio, from high-speed rail to strengthening unions, lowering costs, and rebuilding the middle class, and what sets him apart from the rest of the field.

Sean Connolly was born and raised in Ohio and built his life around hard work, personal responsibility, and creating opportunity. As a small business owner for nearly a decade, he runs his tattoo shop on the belief that leadership means working alongside people, not over them. He considers himself a labor Democrat, loyal first to working families and focused on raising wages, protecting unions, and lowering costs even if that means challenging his own party.

He’s running for Congress on a big, ambitious idea: invest in America again, starting with a high-speed rail corridor connecting eastern Ohio to major job markets, and a broader push to modernize infrastructure, create good-paying jobs, and rebuild the middle class. He says he’s not running to be a career politician, but to refocus government on working people and restore accountability for Ohio’s 6th Congressional District and then returning to what he loves - tattooing.

Resources:

* Donate to Sean’s Campaign

* Social Media:

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* Pay the People! Why Fair Pay Is Good for Business and Great for America

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These Patriotic Millionaires Want to Tax the Rich and Pay the People

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Ashley Craig — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:30:00 GMT

In episode 166, we sit down with Ashley Craig of Patriotic Millionaires to unpack how extreme wealth inequality took hold in the United States and what it will actually take to fix it. Ashley breaks down why “tax the rich, pay the people, and spread the power” isn’t just a slogan - it’s a roadmap.

Ashley Craig is a former finance and audit professional who has spent her career working primarily for large corporations like The Walt Disney Company, Interpublicgroup, and Morgan Stanley. Craig is a life-long environmentalist, advocate for fair taxation, and corporate social responsibility. She retired from corporate work in 2022 and currently volunteers with political and social causes.

Resources:

* Patriotic Millionaires

* Books by Patriotic Millionaires:

by John Driscoll, Morris Pearl, and The Patriotic Millionaires

* Tax the Rich! How Lies, Loopholes, and Lobbyists Make the Rich Even Richer by Morris Pearl, Erica Payne, and The Patriotic Millionaires

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* Donate to Rose’s Campaign

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Still in the Fight: Rose Lounsbury Runs Again for Ohio House

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Rose Lounsbury — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:30:00 GMT

In episode 165, we sit down with Rose Lounsbury to talk about why she’s running again for the Ohio House and what’s at stake for public schools, voting rights, and working families. We dig into vouchers, gerrymandering, healthcare costs, and what it will take to build an Ohio that truly works for everyday families.

Rose Lounsbury is running for State Representative in Ohio’s House District 36, which includes Kettering, Oakwood, Riverside, East Dayton, and downtown Dayton. A former public school teacher, the daughter of two retired teachers, and the mother of teenage triplets in public school, Rose is deeply committed to protecting and strengthening Ohio’s public schools.

Her political journey began during the pandemic with the League of Women Voters, where she developed a strong belief that voting rights are the foundation of a healthy democracy. She is committed to fair, accessible elections for all Ohioans.

Rose’s great-grandfather immigrated to Southeast Ohio in the early 1900s to work in the coal mines, believing Ohio was a place where hard work could lead to a good life. Rose still believes that hardworking families should be able to afford housing, food, and healthcare without fear of financial ruin.

This is Rose’s second time running for office, and she is running again because the challenges facing Ohio’s families are growing—not shrinking. Rose believes Ohio can have strong schools, fair elections, and an economy that works for working people—and she’s ready to fight for that future.

Resources:

* Rose for Ohio

* Follow Rose and her campaign on social media:

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* Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action (COPAL)

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BONUS Inside Operation Metro Surge: Living Through This Moment in Minneapolis

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:30:00 GMT

In this month’s bonus episode, we talk with Minneapolis resident Emma about what it’s been like to live in the city during Operation Metro Surge, where two community members were murdered in the streets by federal agents. She shares what she’s seeing on the ground and how neighbors are showing up for one another in powerful, hopeful ways during an incredibly frightening time.

DISCLAIMER: This was recorded on Tuesday, February 10th. On Thursday, February 12th, Tom Homan, the Trump Administration’s “boarder czar”, said Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis was ending. We’ll believe it when we see it.

Minnesota & Minneapolis organizations to donate to:

* Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC)

* Stand with Minnesota

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* Ohio Republicans introduce multi-bill package to mandate cooperation with ICE

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Ohio’s GOP ICE Cooperation Package

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:30:00 GMT

In episode 163, we break down the Ohio GOP’s newly introduced “Cooperation Package,” a set of four bills designed to expand cooperation with federal immigration enforcement (ICE) across the state. We walk through what each bill would do, why they matter, and the real impacts they could have on Ohio communities. Plus, we share specific, immediate action steps listeners can take to make their voices heard.

Resources:

* OhioBills.wtf

* House Bill 26 | 136th General Assembly | Ohio Legislature

* House Bill 200 | 136th General Assembly | Ohio Legislature

* House Bill 281 | 136th General Assembly | Ohio Legislature

* House Bill 544 | 136th General Assembly | Ohio Legislature

* Public Safety Committee | Ohio House of Representatives

* Judiciary Committee | Ohio House of Representatives

* Ohio’s Democratic state lawmakers introduce bills to limit ICE | WOSU Public Media

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Amanda’s Mild Takes in a Brutal Political Era

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Amanda Nelson — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:30:00 GMT

In episode 162, we’re joined by Amanda Nelson of Amanda’s Mild Takes to talk about how power actually operates in the United States. We dig into the fears around the 2026 elections, the history behind modern immigration enforcement, and what real pro-democracy change could look like if Democrats retake Congress.

Amanda Nelson is an amateur historian and political content creator behind Amanda’s Mild Takes, a media brand that uses history, political science, and civics to explain how power actually operates in the United States. She publishes daily political analysis and action ideas for an engaged audience of over a million people who want historical context, not just headlines.

Resources:

* Amanda’s Mild Takes on…

* Uncap the House: The fastest pro-Democracy law we could pass today

* Is ICE the Gestapo...or something more American?

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* Donate to Don’s Campaign

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A Do-Something Democrat for Ohio’s 15th District: Meet Don Leonard

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Don Leonard — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:30:00 GMT

In episode 161, we talk with congressional candidate Don Leonard about what it really means to be a “Do-Something Democrat” in this political moment. Our conversation spans the issues hitting working families hardest - from healthcare, childcare, and housing to economic insecurity, immigration, and accountability for ICE - and what practical action in Congress could look like.

Don spent the last decade as a City and Regional Planning professor at The Ohio State University and recently stepped away from teaching to run for Congress as a Do-Something Democrat in Ohio’s 15th District. A Medicaid kid turned educator and new dad, Don entered the race after watching working families get squeezed while extremists profit from division and dysfunction. Don is focused on economic freedom, protecting democratic institutions, and flipping one of the most competitive Republican-held seats in the country. He’s building a people-powered campaign centered on real results for working people.

Resources:

* Don’s Campaign Website

* Volunteer for Don’s Campaign

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* Home | Ohio Equal Rights

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We Can Shape What Ohio Votes On in 2026: What You Need to Know About Ohio’s Potential Ballot Initiatives

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:30:00 GMT

In episode 160, we bring you our monthly Ohio-politics focus discussion and, yes, we’re already talking about what could be on your November ballot. We break down the four citizen-led ballot initiatives currently gathering signatures - from marriage equality and broad nondiscrimination protections to a proposal to abolish property taxes and an effort to end qualified immunity - so you know what they are and whether you should sign a petition to support them. We also flag urgent Statehouse bills on immigration and minors’ access to mental health care and share exactly how you can take action right now.

Learn More About the Ballot Initiatives:

* Ax Ohio Tax - AxOHTax

* Ohio Coalition to End Qualified Immunity

Resources:

* TAKE ACTION: Ohio Priority Bills 2025-2026

* Ohio Senate Bill 172

* Ohio House Bill 42

* Resolution Opposing Ohio House Bill 42 (for school boards)

* Ohio House Bill 172

* Ohio Senate Bill 274

* How would a new bill requiring parental consent for mental health emergencies impact child sex abuse victims? - News 5 Cleveland

* Thomas Hall - Ohio House Government Oversight Committee Chair

* Ron Ferguson - Ohio House Government Oversight Committee Vice Chair

* Ohio House Health Committee

* Ohio Senate Health Committee

* Frequently Asked Questions About Qualified Immunity – Unlawful Shield

* Understanding Your Taxes | Hudson, OH - Official Website

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* Donate to Allison’s Campaign

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BONUS What Freedom Really Means: Debriefing The Nordic Theory of Everything

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:30:57 GMT

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.unitedshestands.com

In January’s ✨bonus✨ episode, we debrief The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life by Anu Partanen. We unpack how Nordic countries define freedom, independence, and care. We also explore how universal systems like healthcare, childcare, and worker protections can actually increase individual freedom. This conversation challenges what A…

Putting Voters First: Allison Russo on Her Run for Ohio Secretary of State

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:30:00 GMT

In episode 158, we sit down with Democratic candidate Allison Russo to discuss her run for Ohio Secretary of State, her record defending free and fair elections, and her vision for strengthening democracy for all Ohioans.

Resources:

* Campaign Website

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* Cait Conley for Congress Website

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From Combat to Congress: Hell Cat Cait Conley Is Ready to Get Sh*t Done

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:30:00 GMT

In episode 157, we’re joined by Hell Cat Cait Conley - a decorated combat veteran and national security expert running for Congress in New York’s 17th District. From protecting our democracy to fixing what’s broken in Washington, Cait shares why it’s time for leaders who know how to get sh*t done.

Resources:

* Hell Cats Website

* Donate to Cait’s Campaign:

* ActBlue

* Numero

* Cait’s Social Media:

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* Political Apathy | EBSCO Research Starters

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Why Aren’t More People Disturbed? Political Apathy and Our 2026 Goals

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:30:00 GMT

In episode 156, we set our 2026 intentions and ask the uncomfortable question - why don’t more people care about politics? We dig into where apathy comes from, why it matters, and how we move from disengagement to action.

Resources

* 10 Causes of Voter Apathy in the United States | GoodParty.org

* How Does U.S. Voter Turnout Compare to the Rest of the World’s? | Council on Foreign Relations

* The-100-Million-Project_KF_Report_2020.pdf

* Voter turnout in United States elections - Ballotpedia

* Dive into abstentionism: understanding voter apathy

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* Sign up for The Eye-Opener Newsletter

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From the Vault! Why You Should Care Way More About State and Local Politics: A Conversation with David DeWitt

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:30:00 GMT

Week Two of our holiday break AKA we’re re-releasing another goodie from 2025! Be sure to listen to this episode (or listen again) with David DeWitt to hear him talk about the importance of state and local news.

Original Air Date: August 12th, 2025

David is the Ohio Capital Journal Editor-in-Chief and a Opinion Columnist. He has been covering government, politics, and policy in Ohio since 2007, including education, health care, crime and the courts, poverty, state and local government, business, labor, energy, the environment, and social issues. He has worked for the National Journal, The New York Observer, and The Athens NEWS. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and is a board member of the E.W. Scripps Society of Alumni and Friends.

Resources:

* Ohio Gerrymandering: A brief and Awful History of the Very Recent Past by David DeWitt

* Find a Nonprofit Newsroom (Powered by Institute for Nonprofit News)

* Social Media Accounts:

* Ohio Capital Journal on Bluesky

* Ohio Capital Journal on Facebook

* David DeWitt on X/Twitter

* David DeWitt on Bluesky

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* Money with Katie Website

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From the Vault! It’s Not Just Your Budget—It’s the System: Katie Gatti Tassin on the Intersection of Finance and Politics

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Katie Gatti Tassin — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:30:00 GMT

We’re re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from this year for our holiday break! Enjoy this conversation with Katie Gatti Tassin, where she talks about the intersection of money and politics. Already listened? Do it again - it’s been a while! 🤪

Original Air Date: June 3rd, 2025

Katie Gatti Tassin is the host of the Money with Katie podcast and author of the newsletter of the same name, both acquired by Morning Brew in 2022. Providing fresh personal finance advice that tackles the subject at hand with a unique outlook, her casual approach—coupled with deep, self-taught knowledge—speaks directly to followers who want to take their finances to the next level. She is also the co-host of the podcast Diabolical Lies, a long-form culture and politics podcast that aims to make you smarter, saner, and exponentially more unbearable at family get-togethers. Before founding Money with Katie in 2020, Katie worked professionally in marketing and user experience design for Southwest Airlines, Dell Technologies, and Meta. Her first book, RICH GIRL NATION: Taking Charge of Our Financial Futures went on sale June 10th, 2025.

Resources:

* Get Rich Girl Nation

* Diabolical Lies Podcast

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* Bill regulating drugs (including medication abortion pills) passes Ohio House committee

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Inside the Ohio Statehouse: What You Need to Know & What Needs Your Voice

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:30:00 GMT

In episode 153, we kick off the start of our monthly series dropping Ohio-focused episodes, catching you up on the key legislation, power moves, and policy battles shaping Ohio politics. Don’t worry - we include any bright spots we can find plus action items every Ohioan should know.

Resources:

* Both parties get heat for Ohio’s new congressional district map as citizens look to future fights

* Child-sex abuse prevention advocates worried about proposed Ohio parental notification bill

* Editorial: DeWine should promptly reject State Senate Bill 50

* HB 129

* HB 186

* HB 335

* HB 486

* Honest Friend Brewing

* Honesty for Ohio Education – Legislation Tracker

* Honesty for Ohio Education - Ohio SB34 Sub Bill

* How They Voted on November 19, 2025

* Mill Levy Rate – CFI

* Ohio bill requiring legal statement prior to abortion treatment could sow mistrust, experts say

* Ohio college students and faculty grappling with changes on campus from new higher education law

* Ohio GOP lawmakers claim deep concern about protecting kids — except from child labor, apparently

* Ohio House passes bill that would ban intoxicating hemp products, revise state’s marijuana laws

* Ohio House passes bill to mandate schools teach positive impacts of religion on American history

* Ohio lawmakers send five property-tax reform measures to the governor

* Ohio Property Tax Bills

* Rank the Vote Ohio

* TAKE ACTION: Ohio Priority Bills 2025-2026

* Tim Ryan explores Ohio governor bid

* Tucked in the state transportation budget: A pay raise for a top House Republican

* “This Is Sleazy, Totally Sleazy”: How Ohio lawmakers slipped a pay raise into the budget

* Volunteer Engagement – EveryAction

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Bridging the Disconnect: Adrianne Marsh on Reaching Today’s Voters

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:30:00 GMT

In episode 152, we sit down with Adrianne Marsh, longtime strategist, campaign leader, to dig into the evolution of voter behavior and the future of Democratic strategy. From digital ethnography to narrative research, she explains what campaigns keep getting wrong and how Democrats can more effectively connect, communicate, and win.

Adrianne Marsh is a veteran Democratic operative and CEO of Altum Insight. She has led and advised winning campaigns at every level, including managing Senator Claire McCaskill’s successful 2012 re-election, helping Democrats win back the U.S. Senate majority in 2006, playing a key role in Senator Michael Bennet’s 2010 victory—one of the few Democratic Senate wins that cycle—and contributing to President Barack Obama’s 2008 election. Adrianne has also been a long-time consultant in the field of PR, mail, TV and digital ads, and now research. At Altum Insight, she brings decades of field, communications, and strategic experience to help candidates and organizations translate research into narratives and operations that win trust and votes.

Resources:

* Altum Insight

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* Beyond Resistance Blueprint

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The Blueprint for Building Blue Power in Red America with the Beyond Resistance Podcast

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 10:30:00 GMT

In episode 150, we dig into the blueprint for turning red turf blue with movement-builders Jennifer Austin and Sarah Schulz. The duo from the Beyond Resistance Podcast explains the steps, strategies, and first actions that help local organizers build lasting power.

Jennifer Austin and Sarah Schulz are the not-yet-famous-but-fiercely-effective duo behind the Beyond Resistance Podcast, where they dish hard-won lessons on flipping red turf blue. Jennifer—a strategic powerhouse who turned the Midland County Dems into a fundraising, vote-winning machine—has the numbers and receipts to prove that organizing can reshape a Republican stronghold. Sarah—an unflinching activist, former State House candidate, and professional GOP nightmare—has led rallies, spooked incumbents, and built a movement in the reddest parts of Michigan. Together, they’re building blue power in red communities—and they’re just getting started.

Jennifer volunteered a few too many times, prompting Democratic voters to ask her to run for chair of the local party. Under her leadership, the MCDP increased their email list by 216%, their membership by 285%, and their fundraising by 400%! They’ve flipped the city of Midland and kept it blue 3 election cycles in a row and are working on that red, red county.

Sarah was a founding leader of the Women of Michigan Action Network, prompting 1500 people to join the Indivisible organization in a red county of 80k. She ran for office 3 times, losing by 2 points but shifting the district 10 points blue, and becoming the top House fundraiser in the state of Michigan at $500k for a previously safe GOP seat.

Resources:

* Beyond Resistance Website

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The Algorithm’s Trap: Unpacking the Alt-Right Pipeline with Jess Britvich

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Jess Britvich — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:30:00 GMT

In episode 149, we are joined by our friend Jess Britvich, who helps us unpack how beauty, wellness, and “trad” content can become gateways to extremist ideologies. Jess breaks down how internet culture and algorithms subtly draw women into the alt-right pipeline and how we can pull each other back out.

Jessica Britvich is a former social worker turned content creator whose content addresses the intersection of internet culture, trends and politics through a progressive, feminist lens.

Resources:

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* Cara Jacob for Ohio Senate Website

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Fixing Ohio's Broken Statehouse: Cara Jacob on Fighting for Working Families and a Fairer Ohio

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:30:00 GMT

In episode 148, we talk with our friend Dr. Cara Jacob about why she’s stepping up to run for the Ohio State Senate. From property taxes to public schools and healthcare, she shares what’s driving her campaign and how she hopes to create a fairer future for all Ohio families.

Cara was raised in a small town with a close-knit family who taught her the values of hard work, integrity, and caring for others. Her passion for helping people led her to pursue medicine and ultimately become a neurologist. In that role, she’s had the privilege of caring for patients and families from communities across Ohio. She is also a wife and the proud mom of two wonderful children, experiences that have deepened her commitment to building a better future for all families.

Beyond her medical career, Cara has been an advocate for policies that expand access to healthcare, strengthen our public schools, protect our democratic process, keep our communities safe, and ensure government works for everyday Ohioans—not just the wealthy and well-connected. That advocacy, coupled with growing concerns over the extreme legislation and corruption coming out of our statehouse, is what inspired her to run for the Ohio State Senate in Senate District 7.

She believes we can make Ohio a stronger, fairer place for families by advancing common-sense policies that lift up all Ohioans—ensuring opportunity and dignity for everyone, not just the few at the top.

Resources:

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* Hallie Shoffner for Senate 2026 | Support Arkansans Today

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If She Can't Farm, She'll Fight: Hallie Shoffner’s Run for the U.S. Senate

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Hallie Shoffner — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 147, we sit down with sixth-generation farmer and U.S. Senate candidate Hallie Shoffner, who’s stepping out of the fields and into the fight for Arkansas. Hallie shares why she’s taking on Tom Cotton and how she plans to stand up for the farmers, families, and working people who’ve been pushed to the back of the line.

Hallie knows what it means to have to fight like hell for everything you have, and still get hammered by an economy that’s rigged against you--she’ll fight that rigged system every day, Tom Cotton’s the guy doing the rigging.

She’s not a politician, she’s not much for political parties, and she’s never run for office in her life—the only thing Hallie ever wanted to do was farm. But if she can’t farm, she’s going to fight. For families. For Arkansas. For you.

Resources:

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* The Steel Porcupine Film

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On the Front Lines of Ukraine: Benjamin Goldhagen on Fighting Disinformation and Defending Humanity

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 145, we sit down with human rights advocate Benjamin Goldhagen, who has spent the last two years documenting the war in Ukraine and confronting Russian disinformation. His work offers a rare, unfiltered look at what’s really happening on the ground and why the world must not look away.

Benjamin Goldhagen is a committed human rights advocate and expert on Ukraine, deeply immersed in the region’s geopolitical dynamics and humanitarian challenges. As the son of a Holocaust survivor, Benjamin’s personal history fuels his unwavering dedication to preventing atrocities and promoting human dignity.

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Benjamin swiftly moved to the front lines, providing critical insights and firsthand documentation of the conflict. His work highlights the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people as they navigate the complexities of war and resistance against eliminationist forces seeking to undermine their sovereignty and cultural identity.

Benjamin collaborates extensively with Ukrainian communities, offering strategic support and advocating for policies that bolster Ukraine’s fight for freedom and justice. His expertise extends to combating Russian disinformation, ensuring that truthful narratives prevail in the global discourse surrounding the conflict.

Through his relentless advocacy and deep understanding of Ukraine’s socio-political landscape, Benjamin Goldhagen plays a vital role in shaping international perspectives and fostering meaningful support for Ukraine’s enduring struggle for peace and human rights.

Resources:

* To The Zero Line Film

* Goldhagen Group

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The Fight for Fair Maps: A Panel Discussion on Ohio’s Redistricting Showdown with the Equal Districts Coalition

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:30:00 GMT

Ohio is in the middle of a high-stakes redistricting battle that will shape political power through 2032 and gerrymandering is once again threatening fair representation. In episode 144, we’re joined by members of the Equal Districts Coalition to break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how Ohioans can demand fair maps.

Meet the Panelists:

Grace Metz is a second-year Computer and Information Science student at Ohio State University. She’s a recipient of the Morrill Scholarship and is deeply involved in her campus community. She currently serves as the Advocacy Chair for Ohio State’s chapter of the Ohio Student Association, a grassroots organizing group dedicated to improving the lives of all Ohio students.

Deidra Reese is an advocate for building power and community. She has more than thirty years in the public policy and advocacy arena. She was the Executive director of two major organizations, the lobbyist of one of the largest Ohio labor unions and even started her own consulting firm to teach her E philosophy — Education + Engagement + Empowerment. Currently she is on the executive team of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative where she leads both the Statewide Voter Engagement program, and the Faith Based engagement and empowerment programs through the Amos Project.

Reese is a member of Second Baptist Church and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and she serves on Delta’s National Social Action Commission. Deidra serves on several statewide and national committees and boards that focus on people power and advocacy. She resides in Columbus with her fiancé Paul.

Gabriel Mann has been the Communications Director for Abortion Forward (formerly Pro-Choice Ohio) since 2015, following six years with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio. In 2023, he served as the Communications Director for Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights, the successful campaign to pass Issue 1 and enshrine the right to abortion in Ohio’s state constitution. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Gabriel’s career has included being a legislative aide in the Ohio Senate and labor organizing with SEIU District 1199 WV/OH/KY.

Resources:

* Equal Districts

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Trump’s Takeover and D.C.’s Fight for Power: A Conversation with ACLU-DC's Monica Hopkins

Ashley Kindsvatter and Sara Petrie — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:45:00 GMT

In episode 143, we sit down with Monica Hopkins, executive director of the ACLU of the District of Columbia, to unpack what happened when Donald Trump deployed the National Guard into D.C. and what that moment revealed about the city’s lack of power. Monica explains how D.C.’s unique status without statehood leaves its residents without full representation, vulnerable to federal overreach, and stripped of protections every other state enjoys. We also explore the broader fight for democracy, autonomy, and accountability in the nation’s capital - and why achieving statehood is about more than politics; it’s about fundamental civil rights.

Monica took the helm of the D.C. affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU-DC) in 2014. Prior to joining the ACLU-DC Monica served as the executive director of the ACLU of Idaho from 2008–2014 during which time she oversaw sweeping statewide victories, particularly in the areas of criminal justice reform, LGBTQIA equality, immigrants’ rights and upholding the First Amendment.

Under Monica’s leadership, the ACLU-DC has grown its capacity and reach allowing the organization to become a resource for all District residents. As executive director, Monica oversees programmatic and advocacy efforts to defend and advance the ACLU-DC’s work on civil rights and civil liberties for the over 700,000 residents of the District of Columbia.

Monica is a graduate of Boise State University. She is also a 2012–2013 Rockwood Institute LGBT Advocacy Fellow and currently serves on the board of the National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens.

Resources:

* Home - ACLU of DC

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* Sam Grube for Ohio House District 18

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Sam Grube Wants to Bring Gen Z Progressive Energy to the Ohio Statehouse

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 142, we are joined by Sam Grube, who is running for the Ohio Statehouse in District 18. Sam Grube grew up in Shaker Heights and has deep roots in the neighborhoods that make up Ohio House District 18, from Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights to East Cleveland, Orange and Warrensville Heights.

As a product of public schools and a lifelong Northeast Ohioan, Sam knows firsthand what our families, workers, and students face — because he’s lived it too. He cares deeply about affordable housing, and healthcare, and about making education better and more accessible.

Resources:

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From Inside Turning Point USA to Progressive Activist: Caroline Stout on Deconstructing Conservatism

Ashley Kindsvatter, Sara Petrie, and Caroline Stout — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 141, Caroline Stout shares her journey from growing up in a conservative household and working at Turning Point USA to breaking away from right-wing ideology. She opens up about the challenges of deconstructing her beliefs and embracing a progressive worldview.

Caroline is a lawyer, progressive political activist, and former conservative who has seen the inside of the movement and chosen a different path. She spent years in right-wing spaces before realizing how deeply misinformation, exclusion, and fear were shaping the narrative. Today, she uses her legal training and personal experience to unpack propaganda and help others navigate their own political shifts. Her mission is to ensure people feel informed, empowered, and unafraid to question what they’ve been told.

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Embedding the Next Generation’s Voice in Democracy with Aliza Lifshitz

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Aliza Lifshitz — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 140, Aliza Lifshitz, founder of the Youth Advisory Project, a nonpartisan initiative embedding youth voice into government institutions, joins us to talk about creating lasting pathways for young leaders in government.

Aliza is a national leader in youth civic engagement. With a background in public policy and youth organizing, she has led advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, co-authored nationally published op-eds, and advised offices across the country on launching Youth Advisory Councils (YACs).

She previously served as a coalition builder and strategic advisor at Giffords, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, YouthinGov Coalition, Voters of Tomorrow and continues to advise campaigns, civic leaders, and institutions on generational equity in policymaking. She holds a BA in Women's and Gender studies from Barnard College and is currently pursuing a Master's in Public Policy at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy.

Resources:

* Youth Advisory Project

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* Human Rights Campaign: HRC Website

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Melanie Falls on Advancing & Protecting LGBTQ+ Equality with the Human Rights Campaign

Ashley Kindsvatter and Sara Petrie — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 139, we chat with Melanie Falls, a member of the National Board of Directors for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), about the amazing work the organization has done and continues to do.

Melanie has been involved in advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community for over thirty-five years. She has worked on the lecture circuit throughout NE Ohio educating about the LGBTQ+ community. She has presented at NEOUCOM, University Hospital’s Medical School, Social Work and Counseling Conferences to name a few.

She is a founding member of Equality Ohio and served as Board Chair in 2007-2008. A general member of HRC for over ten years, she began active volunteering as a member of the Cleveland Gala Committee moving on to be the Gala Co-Chair for two years. As a member of the Cleveland Steering Committee, she held numerous positions including Steering Committee Co-Chair, Federal Club Tri-Chair and Diversity Equity and Inclusion liaison to the national office.

She has been an HRC Federal Club speaker for Cleveland, Columbus and St. Louis. Melanie served as an HRC Governor from 2015 to 2017 and has been on the National Board of Directors since 2017. As a National Director, she has co-chaired the National Public Policy Committee and served on the Board Diversity Committee and Board Development Committee. Melanie is a Licensed Independent Social Worker. She has worked extensively throughout Northeast Ohio in mental health counseling, foster care and adoption. Her expertise is in Trauma Treatment, Women’s Mental Health Issues, Marriage and Family therapy and LGBTQIA mental health and relationships concerns. Melanie retired in 2015 as the Executive Director of Applewood Centers, Inc. a child and family Mental health agency. Since retirement from Applewood Centers, Inc. she has been working as a private practitioner at Lifestance Health, a national mental health organization. She has been an adjunct professor and a program consultant at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University.

Melanie has been legally married to her wife Tina for twenty-one years. They’ve been together for thirty years. Together they have raised Melanie’s four biological children, two sons and two daughters and have eight grandchildren. Grandparenting is their favorite and cherished pastime. Don’t ask them about their grandchildren unless you have a few hours to spare. Their intimate Sunday dinners often number 18.

Resources:

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Summoned: Ashley's Jury Duty Experience

Ashley Kindsvatter and Sara Petrie — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Ashley had jury duty, and she’s taking you behind the scenes — from being summoned and selected to reaching a guilty verdict — she shares it all!

Previous USS episode we mentioned: From Summons to Verdict: The Jury Duty Experience

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* Hambley for Ohio Website

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Fighting for Free and Fair Elections: Bryan Hambley on His Run for Ohio Secretary of State

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 137, we are joined by Bryan Hambley, who is running for Ohio Secretary of State. Tune in to learn more about him and what he would do if elected to help Ohio have free and fair elections!

Bryan grew up on a small family farm in a tight-knit community where he saw the impact of people coming together. When he was a child, the state tried to shut down his town’s small public school. The town of 800 people got into their trucks, drove to the state capitol, and made their voices heard to save the school, the heart of their community. His parents taught him this was democracy at its best: a community rallying to do together what no one could do alone.

Ever since, Bryan has committed his life to fighting for what’s right. He has organized communities around key issues:

* Fighting against pharmaceutical companies using their money to buy influence in hospitals.

* Bringing critical health care to underserved communities.

* Standing up for the right to vote and be heard.

As a cancer doctor who cares for leukemia patients, Bryan has helped hundreds of patients and families as part of a team of dedicated nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and physicians. In that time, he’s seen how outrageous healthcare costs are bankrupting families, health insurance denials are delaying urgent chemotherapy, and rural hospitals and nursing homes are closing and leaving communities without quality care. And yet, Ohio’s government has been silent on these and other vital issues. A rigged and unresponsive legislature prioritizes politicians over citizens. Bryan is running because caring for his patients and his community cannot end at the hospital door.

The people of Ohio deserve better. When Ohio’s Secretary of State used misleading ballot language in 2024 to confuse voters and maintain unfair districts, Bryan organized medical professionals across the state to fight back. He took his two young children door to door to talk with neighbors about how gerrymandering leads to an unresponsive and ineffective government. These conversations confirmed that Ohioans all want the same thing: a state government that works for the people.

His wife, best friend, and partner, Jana, is a trauma surgeon, and together they have two wonderful children– ages 5 and 7. They are teaching their children the same commitment to democracy and to fighting for what is right that Bryan learned from his parents.

Bryan is running for Secretary of State because he has seen how his patients and our communities suffer from a broken and gerrymandered democracy. He is passionate about making our democracy work. But, he cannot do this without you; Ohio needs a community of people working together to care for Ohio, and strengthen our state.

Resources:

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* College Democrats host UR’s first Democrat gala

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Mobilizing Gen Z: Sophie Christianson on Democrats Securing the Youth Vote

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 136, we chat with Sophie Christianson, an undergraduate student at the University of Richmond where she is the President of College Democrats. We talk about how democrats can win back Gen Z and how we lost them in the first place.

Sophie is majoring in Business with a strong interest in public policy. She has experience working on political campaigns and in nonprofit spaces, where she has contributed to voter outreach, community organizing, and policy research.

Most recently, Sophie just finished working as the finance intern for Lisa Vedernikova Khanna, a candidate running to flip a red seat in the first Congressional District of Virginia. She currently works as the creative director and campaign marketer for Jonas Eppert's house of delegates campaign. She is part of UpNext and is one of their Podcasts hosts. She is passionate about making government more accessible and responsive to young people and underserved communities.

On campus, she is the President of College Democrats as well as Women in Business and is on the Hillel Student Counsel. She is involved in student leadership and academic initiatives that promote dialogue across political differences. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in political consulting or in political media.

Resources:

* Sophie’s LinkedIn

* Sophie’s Instagram

* Articles featuring Sophie:

* Afraid, uncertain and fired up: How UR students are feeling at the start of the Trump presidency

* DPVA Chair, House and Senate Democrats, and Local High Schooler Held Press Call on Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears Speaking at NRA Event after Mass Shootings

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* Sign up for The Eye-Opener Newsletter

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Why You Should Care Way More About State and Local Politics: A Conversation with David DeWitt

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 135, we are joined by the face behind our favorite daily newsletter - David DeWitt! We start everyday by reading his newsletter, The Eye-Opener from Ohio Capital Journal, and we are thrilled he took some time to talk to us about the importance of state and local news.

Resources:

* Ohio Gerrymandering: A brief and Awful History of the Very Recent Past by David DeWitt

* Find a Nonprofit Newsroom (Powered by Institute for Nonprofit News)

* Social Media Accounts:

* Ohio Capital Journal on Bluesky

* Ohio Capital Journal on Facebook

* David DeWitt on X/Twitter

* David DeWitt on Bluesky

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* Planned Parenthood - Southwest Ohio Region

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Health, Rights, and Resistance: Nan Whaley on Continuing the Fight for Reproductive Care, our Rights, and our Communities

Ashley Kindsvatter, Sara Petrie, and Nan Whaley — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 134, we chat with our new friend, Nan Whaley! She talks to us about the current state of reproductive rights in Ohio and beyond. This conversation gave us just the boost we needed to keep fighting this fight!

Nan is a seasoned public servant with more than two decades of experience in local government. Since 2024, Ms. Whaley has served as the President and C.E.O. of Planned Parenthood Southwestern Ohio. She leads a team of 130 professionals in reproductive healthcare serving 23 counties. She is tenacious in the mission of expanding abortion access in a safe haven area that is surrounded by states with no access to abortion services.

Ms. Whaley served as the Mayor of Dayton, Ohio from 2014 to 2022, where she led the city through several major challenges, including the devastating tornadoes of 2019, a senseless mass shooting and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to her tenure as Mayor, Ms. Whaley served on the Dayton City Commission where she was the youngest woman to hold that post. Ms. Whaley is a strong advocate of Midwestern economic development. She has worked to address issues of racial inequality and poverty in Dayton. She has also been a vocal advocate for gun safety and has worked to pass legislation at the local, state and national level to reduce gun violence. In 2022, she was the Democratic nominee for governor of Ohio; making Ohio history as the first woman from any major political party to be nominated.

In addition to her work in government, Ms. Whaley is actively involved in her community and has served on the boards of several non-profit organizations. She holds a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the University of Dayton and a master's degree in Public Administration from Wright State University. She lives in her beloved Five Oaks neighborhood in Dayton with her husband Sam, their dog Louis and cat Paris.

Resources:

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* Acton for Governor Website

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Refusing to Look Away from Struggling Ohioans: Dr. Amy Acton Runs for Governor

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Dr. Amy Acton — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 09:30:00 GMT

Episode 133 features our incredible conversation with Dr. Amy Acton, who's running as the Democratic candidate for governor of Ohio. She left us feeling so hopeful about the future of our home state - and we think you’ll feel the same after listening!

Dr. Amy Acton grew up in Youngstown, Ohio under difficult circumstances. But that made Amy tough – and now, Amy is running for governor to fight for every Ohio family that’s struggling today.

After putting herself through medical school, Amy did a residency at Children’s Hospital and Ohio State University where she trained in pediatrics and preventive medicine and created the first ever residency rotation in child advocacy.

Amy began her career as the Director of Project L.O.V.E where she managed public private partnerships between Columbus area hospitals and key community stakeholders to keep our children healthy. Amy then joined the faculty at Ohio State University where she became an award winning professor of maternal and child health and global public health.

In 2019 Governor DeWine asked Amy to serve in his administration as the Director of the Ohio Department of Public Health. Working closely with Governor DeWine, Amy’s widely acclaimed leadership and inspiring guidance were experienced in daily news conferences as COVID exploded in the spring of 2020, earning her a Profile in COVID Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation in 2021. In 2022 she was named Woman of the Year for Ohio by USA Today for her efforts.

Following her service in the DeWine administration, Amy returned to the Columbus Foundation and helped found the Center for Human Kindness. She worked with CEO’s, Mayor’s, and community advocates to launch Rapid 5, a nonprofit to promote the region’s health and economic wellness. Amy also partnered with WKYC on a new multi-platform series on Health, Hope & Healing–where she spoke to Ohioans about the challenges they face and the innovative solutions they’re using to move themselves forward.

Now, Amy’s running for Governor because she refuses to look away from Ohioans who are struggling.

Amy lives in Bexley, Ohio with her husband, Eric, who has coached and taught in Bexley City Schools since 1987. Together they have six kids and enjoy traveling, exploring nature, and spending time with their good friends and growing family.

Resources:

* Donate to Dr. Acton’s Campaign

* Connect with Dr. Acton’s on Social Media:

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* NCRI Women's Committee Website

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What’s Really Happening in Iran and How Do We Move Forward? Zahra Amanpour Breaks It Down

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 132, lifelong human rights advocate and Iranian Resistance supporter Zahra Amanpour gives us a TL;DR on Iran’s fight for democracy—and shares a lesser-known path forward for the country’s future.

Born during the 1979 Iranian Revolution in Tehran, Zahra’s life has been defined by the struggle for freedom. Her father, a prominent advocate with the MEK/PMOI was killed in 1988, a summer marked by the mass killing of 30,000 political prisoners after the end of the Iran-Iraq war. Raised by her mother within the Iranian Resistance community, Zahra grew up surrounded by the courage, clarity, and conviction of those who refused to be silenced.

She draws deep inspiration from the many women who have led the movement for a free, secular, and democratic Iran. As a Board Member of the Women’s Freedom Forum, Zahra works to amplify the voices of women fighting for their rights under repressive regimes and to shine a global light on their stories of resistance.

Zahra continues to advocate for justice through every facet of her life. In the United States, she channels this commitment into economic empowerment, working to build a more equitable economy for underserved communities. Over the past two decades, she has helped thousands of individuals reclaim their economic agency and future.

Though many may see Zahra as living a typical American life—raising a family, building a business, and staying engaged in her community—her life is a powerful form of resistance. She currently resides in the New York area with her husband and two children and finds joy in music, nature, and discovering new corners of the world.

Her greatest hope and ambition remains the same: to see the end of Iran’s tyrannical regime and the rise of a free and democratic Iran, led by its people and grounded in justice, equality, and peace.

Resources:

* NCRI Women’s Committee on X

* Zahra Amanpour on LinkedIn

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* Civics & Coffee Website

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Are We Living Through Another Gilded Age? A History Lesson With Alycia Asai

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Alycia Asai — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 131, our special guest, Alycia Asai, gives us a history lesson on the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era.

Alycia is an independent historian whose research interests center around women, labor, and the evolution of the social safety net in the United States. She is the researcher, producer, and host of the podcast, Civics & Coffee where she explores the stories of America’s past in the time it takes to enjoy your morning coffee.

Alycia’s Book Recommendations on the Gilded Age & Progressive Era:

* Standing at Armageddon by Nell Irvin Painter

* Recasting the Vote by Cathleen Cahill

* The Bosses Union by Vilja Hulden

* How the South Won the Civil War by Heather Cox Richardson

* The Second Coming of the KKK by Linda Gordon

* Rebirth of a Nation by Jackson Lears

Resources:

* Civics & Coffee Substack

* Civics & Coffee Instagram

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Political Playlist Happy Hour

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The Young and the Political: Millennials and Gen Z Leading and Voting with Anna Musky-Goldwyn

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Anna Musky-Goldwyn — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 130, we’re joined by our new friend, Anna Musky-Goldwyn, who talks with us about the power of Millennial and Gen Z leaders and voters.

Anna is a writer for film and television whose passion for politics led her to co-found Political Playlist, a platform that focuses on what the youngest members of Congress (under 45-years-old), across the political spectrum are doing and saying. She co-hosts the podcast Political Playlist Happy Hour, on which she and her fellow hosts discuss the news from these young politicians and bring them on for interviews to better understand who the next generation of political leaders in America are.

Resources:

* IG

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Inside United SHE Stands: Creating & Evolving

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:30:00 GMT

We’re back from our summer break with a behind the scenes episode! Ever wonder what goes on behind the mic here at United SHE Stands? This episode is for you!

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Empowering Change: Sharon McMahon on Unsung Heroes, Patriotism, and Local Action (From the Vault)

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Sharon McMahon — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:30:00 GMT

Missed this gem of an episode the first couple of times we dropped it? You’re in luck! Here’s one of our favorite episodes EVER, featuring THE Sharon McMahon, AKA @SharonSaysSo on Instagram.

After years of serving as a high school government and law teacher, Sharon McMahon took her passion for education to Instagram, where more than a million people (who affectionately call themselves “Governerds”) rely on her for non-partisan, fact-based information as “America's Government Teacher.” In a time where flashy headlines and false information often take the spotlight, Sharon is a reliable source for truth and logic.Original Air Date: October 22, 2024Connect with Sharon:

* Podcast - Here's Where It Gets Interesting

* Newsletter - The Preamble

* Buy her book - The Small and the Mighty!

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Breaking Free from Christian Nationalism: April Ajoy's Story (From the Vault)

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and April Ajoy — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:30:00 GMT

You think we’d go digging through the vault and NOT re-release this episode?! Think again and thank us later ;)

For this episode, we’re joined by April Ajoy, the author of Star-Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith. We chat with her about her book and her journey of breaking free from Christian Nationalism. We also talk about the threat it poses to our country and our political system.

April is also a content creator and podcast host who uses humor to shine light on harmful, toxic, and sometimes just weird traits of American Evangelicalism. After growing up an evangelist’s kid entrenched in Christian Nationalism and working in conservative Christian media, she saw the harm caused firsthand. Still a Christian, she uses her platform to expose the dangers of Christian Nationalism while promoting a more inclusive faith. April has been featured on Buzzfeed, CNN, Newsweek and more. She’s been married to Beecher for 10 years and they have two daughters together.

Connect with April:

* Purchase her book: Star-Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding A True Faith

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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

What You Really Need to Know About Making America Healthy Again: Dr. Jessica Knurick on Navigating Nutrition Myths & Public Health Policies (From the Vault)

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Jessica Knurick, PhD, RDN — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:30:00 GMT

Y’all loved this episode so much the first time, we just KNEW you’d want to hear it again!

This episode dives into the intersections of nutrition, public health, and misinformation with Dr. Jessica Knurick. The conversation addresses the complexities of the Make America Healthy Again movement, the dangers of the misinformation, the harm in oversimplifying complex issues, and the influence of social media on public perception around food safety and nutrition.• Exploration of how the MAHA movement oversimplifies complex health issues • Examination of the societal factors influencing America’s nutritional challenges• Guidance on navigating misinformation and amplifying credible scientific voices• Emphasis on understanding the difference between correlation and causation• Insight into political motivations behind corporate-friendly health policies

This episode was originally released on January 14th, 2025.

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* Money with Katie Website

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It’s Not Just Your Budget—It’s the System: Katie Gatti Tassin on the Intersection of Finance and Politics

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and Katie Gatti Tassin — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:30:00 GMT

In episode 125, we sit down with Katie Gatti Tassin, one of our DREAM guests, to talk about the intersection of money and politics. Tune in - you won’t regret it!

Resources:

* Get Rich Girl Nation

* Diabolical Lies Podcast

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* Greg Landsman - Congress website

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The Devastating Consequences of Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill": A Candid Talk with Congressman Greg Landsman

Ashley Kindsvatter, Sara Petrie, and Congressman Greg Landsman — Tue, 27 May 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 124, we are joined by Congressman Greg Landsman, who helps us break down Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” AKA the “Big Bullshit Bill”. Shoutout to the Congressman for being the FIRST federal-level elected official to be on United SHE Stands!

Representative Greg Landsman is a father and husband who is proud to call Southwest Ohio home. Before joining the U.S. House of Representatives in 2023, Greg served on the Cincinnati City Council for five years where he led investments in public safety and core services. Greg also led the effort to establish the City of Cincinnati’s first-ever Office of Ethics and Good Government as well as the Balanced Development Scorecard to increase trust in local government and transparency in the development process.

Greg has spent his entire career advocating for children and families, especially those most marginalized. Prior to his time in elected office, Greg was a public school teacher and worked in education advocacy as the Executive Director of the Strive Partnership.

Greg also served as the Director of Faith-based and Community Initiatives under former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. There, he led Ohio’s efforts to help local churches and synagogues provide education and food programs in their communities.

A pragmatic leader, Greg has a long history of working with broad, bipartisan coalitions to get good, meaningful things done. In 2016, Greg led a successful ballot measure to pass the Cincinnati Preschool Promise, a program which provides two years of quality preschool education for every three- and four-year-old in Cincinnati. In 2018, he built a coalition of Democrats, Republicans, labor organizations, business leaders, and community members to pass the largest investment in transportation and infrastructure in Hamilton County’s history.

Greg earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from Ohio University and a master’s degree in Theology from Harvard University. Greg and his wife, Sarah, live in Cincinnati with their two children, Maddie and Elijah.

Resources:

* Greg Landsman

* Linktree

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* Ohio SB 1 Petition Linktree (MANY relevant links!)

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The Bill That Will Break Higher Ed in Ohio: The Alarming Reality of SB1 and How You Can Help with Dr. Karla Hamlen-Mansour

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 20 May 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 123, we talk about the horrors of Senate Bill 1 in Ohio and its negative impact on higher education in the state. We couldn’t do this without our guest, Dr. Karla Hamlen-Mansour, who goes through the details of the bill with us. Karla has a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and is a Professor at Cleveland State University in the School of Education and Counseling. She has been at CSU for 16 years and has held various leadership roles including, currently, chairing the Faculty Affairs Committee in the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education. She teaches graduate courses in research methods, statistics, and assessment in education, and conducts research on children's entertainment video game play and relationships to problem solving strategies.

Resources & How To Get Involved:

* SB1 Full Text

* OH SB 1 Petition – Higher Education is not a business

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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

Inside the Dem Playbook: Organizing, Messaging, and Momentum with Liz Minnella

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 13 May 2025 09:30:00 GMT

For episode 122, we welcome back our friend, Liz Minnella! We talk about the current vibes of the democratic party, the significant changes they’ve made in the past four months, and Liz’s PAC - Connect Forward.

Liz is a mom of two toddlers, an advocate, fundraiser and Instagram demfluencer. She gained an audience on Instagram following the Fourth of July shooting in Highland Park by posting short actionable steps for fellow activists to take to advance gun violence prevention legislation and she helped lead the grassroots push to pass the IL Assault Weapons Ban. During the 2024 election cycle, she hit her stride organizing and activating everyday people to use their power and influence to make change. She founded Chicago Women for Harris and co-organized and MCd White Women: Answer the call, which broke Zoom with over 200,000 viewers. She served as the Finance Co-chair of Women for Harris and raised tens of millions of dollars for the Harris campaign. She held weekly Women Wednesdays for Harris Zoom calls and organized door knocking trips across the battleground states. Her work was featured in a front page article in the New York Times and on CNN in the days following the election. She is the founder of Connect Forward, which is a PAC dedicated to funding and facilitating a new media ecosystem of liberal voices.

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* Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and socialism, explained

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Are AOC & Bernie Far-Left Radicals? Fear, Labels, and Progressivism in the U.S.

Ashley Kindsvatter and Sara Petrie — Tue, 06 May 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 121, we dive into:

* Socialism vs Communism & Socialism vs Democratic Socialism

* The Progressive Platform in the U.S.

* The media coverage of Bernie Sanders & his messaging

* The media coverage of AOC & her messaging

Sources:

* Socialism - Definition, Origins & Countries

* How Did 'Socialism' Become a Dirty Word in America? | History

* How Are Socialism and Communism Different? | HISTORY

* Socialist vs. Capitalist Political Systems: Ideologies, Operations, and Impact on Society

* Understanding the Political Spectrum from Left to Right

* Congressional Progressive Caucus – The Progressive Promise

* The Free Lance Star - March 5, 1985

* The Telegraph – March 4, 1987

* The Newburgh-Beacon Evening News - March 7, 1989

* The Sunday Telegraph - November 11, 1990

* Toledo Blade – February 25, 1999

* The Item – February 13, 2001

* 14 things Bernie Sanders has said about socialism - POLITICO

* Bernie Sanders’s speech defining democratic socialism, explained | Vox

* Bernie Sanders - Policies

* AOC - Policies

* How Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez won the race that shocked the country - City & State New York

* Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: "Call me a radical" - YouTube

* Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez | SXSW 2019 - YouTube

* AOC Shoutout to my fellow radicals, who think we shouldn't live under the thumb of $7 minimum wage

* AOC vs. GOP: The Long List of Smears and Insults Hurled at Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - Newsweek

* Trump lauds AOC: 'She's got a spark that's pretty amazing'

* Gerry Connolly defeats AOC to become top Democrat on Oversight Committee - CBS News

* Ocasio-Cortez's future uncertain after House Oversight defeat

* One Vote | Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

* Rep. Ocasio-Cortez fundraising soars as she blasts Trump

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Hope Lives in Ohio: The Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, Liz Walters, on the State’s Blue Horizon

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 120, we are joined by the Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, Liz Walters! We talk about how became so passionate about politics, the biggest challenges Democrats face in Ohio, and how to turn Ohio into a swing state again. You don’t want to miss this conversation!

In January of 2021, Liz was unanimously elected as Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party. She is the first woman elected to this role and was re-elected in 2022 to a four year term. Throughout her career Liz has worked with people and organizations that support progressive values, including official offices, campaigns, and nonprofit and community organizations.

Walters is also serving the citizens of Summit County as an At-Large councilmember, and previously served as Council President. She has been active on a wide variety of issues and led the passage and implementation of Paid Parental Leave for county employees, the only Ohio county to pass such legislation.

She is a lifetime Girl Scout and has been active with the organization as a member, employee, or volunteer since the age of five. Liz earned a B.A. in History from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania and her MPA from Cleveland State University. She and her rescue dog, Beatrice, live on the westside of Akron.

Resources:

* Ohio Democratic Party

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* What’s being lost with the DOGE cuts? These fired employees can tell you (Washington Post)

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Inside USAID: A Career in Service Ended by DOGE with Cameron Hilaker

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 119, we talk with Cameron Hilaker, who was recently fired from his job at USAID as part of DOGE cuts. Tune in to hear his story and how he’s turned into a fierce advocate for other fired federal employees.

Cameron worked at USAID as an Emergency Manager responding to domestic and international crises. As a leader of the Readiness Team, his role was to ensure that as a crisis developed, USAID was able to keep its people and families safe and continue the crucial life saving assistance. He has supported over 20 responses, including evacuations, disruptions, and ordered departures.

Before Cameron’s time at USAID, he served as a peace corps volunteer in South Africa for three years working to combat HIV/AIDS where he met his wife Catharine. They are expecting their first child in June.

Resources:

* Cameron as Congressman Hank Johnson’s Guest to Joint Address to Congress on March 4th, 2025

* Judge Rules DOGE’s Dismantling of USAID Unconstitutional

* The implications of a USAID shutdown (Brookings)

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Disarming Fascism: How to Talk to Your Son & Other Young People About the Far Right with Craig Johnson

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 118, we talk about super fun and light-hearted things…like fascism!! Our guest, Craig Johnson, is a researcher and educator focused on stopping the rise of the extreme right-wing. He’s the host of Fifteen Minutes of Fascism podcast, runs a YouTube series celebrating the deaths of right-wing figures throughout history, and is the author of How to Talk to Your Son about Fascism, a guide for parents and educators on keeping young men out of the right-wing.

Craig’s Book: How to Talk to Your Son About Fascism

Craig’s Podcast: Fifteen Minutes of Fascism

* Listen on Apple

* Watch on YouTube

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* Amanda Becker - The 19th News

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Why No State is Safe: Amanda Becker on the Fight for Abortion Rights under the Trump Administration

Sara Petrie, Ashley Kindsvatter, and B Matter from Amanda Becker — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 117, Amanda Becker, author and The 19th News’ Washington correspondent, joins us to talk about how we should still be paying close attention to reproductive and abortion rights in this country - even if your state has protections.

Her first book, “You Must Stand Up: The Fight for Abortion Rights in Post-Dobbs America,” was published by Bloomsbury in September 2024.

Becker has been on the beat for nearly two decades, covering the White House, the Supreme Court, Congress, multiple presidential elections, and scores of House and Senate campaigns. Before joining The 19th in April 2020, Becker spent nearly eight years at Reuters, where she was embedded with Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, and several before that at CQ Roll Call, where she covered lobbying and influence.

Becker was a 2023 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University. Her byline has also appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times and USA Today, among other publications.

Becker grew up in Ohio and recently moved back. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science with honors from Indiana University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Southern California.

Resources:

* You Must Stand Up: The Fight for Abortion Rights in Post-Dobbs America (Amanda Becker’s Book)

* The 19th News

* Abortion Fund of Ohio

* Ohio Women’s Alliance

* Abortion Finder (Ohio)

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* It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism a book by Senator Bernie Sanders and John Nichols - Bookshop.org US

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Is the Press Really Free If It's Owned by the Oligarchy?

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 116, we talk about how the oligarchy owns the media in the U.S. and if that makes the press truly “free”.

References

* Free press: definition and role in democracy I liberties.eu | liberties.eu

* Overview of Freedom of the Press | Constitution Annotated | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

* Public Media Can Improve Our ‘Flawed’ Democracy | Annenberg

* About Public Media | CPB

* Democracy Index 2024 - Economist Intelligence Unit

* Index | RSF

Connect with USS:

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Gracelight Community Health

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Healthcare for All: Eloisa Perard on Expanding Access & Equity

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 115, we sit down with Eloisa Perard, CEO and President of Gracelight Community Health in Los Angeles, to talk about all things healthcare advocacy and federally qualified health centers. Don’t know what those are? No worries, we didn’t either! Listen to this episode to learn more about the amazing work they do.

Gracelight Community Health is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Community Health Center organization. In partnership with the executive management team, Ms. Perard creates strategies in support of the organization’s mission and goals while accelerating and deploying technologies that improve patient care and operational efficiency.

A long-time resident of Los Angeles, California, Mrs. Perard holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and Leadership and a Master of Science in Organizational Psychology. She serves on the Board of Directors and the Finance Committee for Health Care L.A., an Independent Physician Association. Additionally, she is a member of the Chicago School Board of Trustees and serves on the Board of Directors for the California Primary Care Association.

Resources:

* Eloisa’s LinkedIn

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* Dr. Becky’s Original Post

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The Learning Space: Embracing Frustration for Growth in Life and Politics

Ashley Kindsvatter and Sara Petrie — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 114, we talk about the Learning Space. Have you ever been in that frustrating place where you want to understand something, but you just… don’t? Where your brain is stuck between “not knowing” and “knowing,” and all you want to do is quit? Well, according to Dr. Becky Kennedy, that frustration isn’t a sign that you’re failing—it’s a sign that you’re learning. And today, we’re talking about why that matters—not just for personal growth, but for politics, society, and the way we navigate tough conversations.

Resources

* Good Inside - Dr. Becky Kennedy

* Wikipedia - Becky Kennedy

* Sharon McMahon’s Post About The Learning Space

* ‫Overcoming Guilt & Building Tenacity with Kids & Adults | Dr. Becky Kennedy

* (2:46:00 - 3:03:00)

* The Messy, Beautiful Truth About Resilience with Dr. Becky Kennedy

* The art of political persuasion — Harvard Gazette

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* Hashtag History Website

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Reconstruction and Resistance: Then and Now with Rachel Lee Perez

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:30:00 GMT

In episode 113, we sit down with author, historian, and founder and co-host of the Hashtag History podcast, Rachel Lee Perez. She was kind enough to give us a history lesson on the Reconstruction Era and how it compares to what’s happening in the world today.

Resources:

* Remedial Herstory Project

* The Hashtag History episode mentioned: Episode 117: The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Clayton for Carolina Website

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Young, Bold, and Leading: Anderson Clayton’s Fight for North Carolina as Democratic Party Chair

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 10:30:00 GMT

In episode 112, we spend some time chatting with Anderson Clayton who serves as the current chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party. We talk through what she’s currently fighting in NC, how to be a successful democrat in the state, and more.

Elected at 25 years old, Clayton is the youngest chair of a state democratic party. Chair Clayton grew up in Roxboro, North Carolina and graduated from Appalachian State University. She worked on Congresswoman Kathy Manning’s congressional campaign, in Iowa as a field organizer for the presidential campaigns of Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren, and then for the Senate campaign of Amy McGrath. Prior to her election as Chair of North Carolina Democratic Party, Chair Clayton served as a chair of the Person County Democratic Party, her hometown county. Chair Clayton resides in Roxboro, NC.

Resources:

* North Carolina Democratic Party Website

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* Timothy Snyder | Penguin Random House

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Defending Democracy: A Discussion of On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:30:00 GMT

In episode 111, we have a conversation about the book On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth-Century by Timothy Snyder. You don’t want to miss this episode OR this short and informative read!

Resources

* On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century: Snyder, Timothy

* Democratic FEC Chair Ellen Weintraub says Trump fired her. She says it's not legal. - CBS News

* Opinion | How a German Thinker Explains MAGA Morality - The New York Times

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* The Cause and Effect of Language: Understanding Its Impact on Communication and Behavior – PsychWeb

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Words That Kill: The Dangers of Dehumanizing Rhetoric

Ashley Kindsvatter and Sara Petrie — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:30:00 GMT

In episode 110, we break down dehumanizing rhetoric by exploring how it has been used throughout history to justify violence, discrimination, and different atrocities. We also discuss the psychological and societal impacts of such rhetoric, and how it creates mob mentality and enables authoritarian regimes. Buckle up!

Resources

* The Dark Side of Scrolling: How Social Media Impacts Radicalization - SEAN-CSO

* 'Less Than Human': The Psychology Of Cruelty : NPR

* Excerpts from Mein Kampf

* Rwanda genocide of 1994 - Ethnic Conflict, Hutu-Tutsi, Massacres | Britannica

* Rwanda: The First Conviction for Genocide | Holocaust Encyclopedia

* Get Out: More Americans Support Deporting Immigrants - The Survey Center on American Life

* The dark psychology of dehumanization, explained | Vox

* The Psychology of Dehumanization

* America's deadly epidemic: violence against women | Reuters

* Immigrants less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born : NPR

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

Class War, Digital Strategy, and the Future of the Left with Liz Minnella

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 10:30:00 GMT

In this week’s episode, we chat with Liz Minnella about how the Democrats need to invest in and build a digital strategy, as well as focus on the class war instead of the culture war.

Liz is a mom of two toddlers, an advocate, fundraiser and Instagram demfluencer. She gained an audience on Instagram following the Fourth of July shooting in Highland Park by posting short actionable steps for fellow activists to take to advance gun violence prevention legislation and she helped lead the grassroots push to pass the IL Assault Weapons Ban. During the 2024 election cycle, she hit her stride organizing and activating everyday people to use their power and influence to make change. She founded Chicago Women for Harris and co-organized and MCd White Women: Answer the call, which broke Zoom with over 200,000 viewers. She served as the Finance Co-chair of Women for Harris and raised tens of millions of dollars for the Harris campaign. She held weekly Women Wednesdays for Harris Zoom calls and organized door knocking trips across the battleground states. Her work was featured in a front page article in the New York Times and on CNN in the days following the election. She is now continuing to champion progressive candidates and organizations at the local and national level and hopes to continue to expand the left’s online ecosystem to combat extremism and the spread of radicalizing misinformation.

Connect with Liz: Instagram

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

From Personal Tragedy to Public Advocacy: Allie Phillips’ Fight for Change

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:30:00 GMT

In this episode, we sit down with Allie Phillips, a 29-year-old mother, advocate and Tennessee native who recently ran for the TN State House. She walks us through her tragic abortion story and how her experience led her to run for state legislature. Her priorities include ensuring that other women in Tennessee did not have to go through the experience she did and can access health care, improving the quality of public education, & working for common sense gun safety laws. Allie testified in front of the US Senate & was invited to the White House’s Women’s History Month Conference by President Joe Biden.

Though she lost her state race with just over 45% of the vote, as a first time candidate Allie knows how important it is to keep the fight moving forward. Her story is compelling, heartbreaking and inspiring. Everyone that hears her story leaves feeling empowered to make change. She is determined to continue to share her story and educate others on the dangers of these bans while inspiring them to take part in the progress of our future.

Connect with Allie: Instagram

Connect with USS: United SHE Stands Substack

Connect with USS: United SHE Stands Instagram

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Tolerance Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

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The Cost of Tolerance: When Is Intolerance Acceptable?

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 10:30:00 GMT

In this week’s episode, we dive deeper into a Substack post Ashley wrote about the paradox of tolerance and when we need to/when it's appropriate be intolerant. We provide an overview of the paradox and answer some reflective questions about tolerance and intolerance in today’s political landscape.

References

* Paradox of Tolerance - Philosophy Terms

* Paradox of Tolerance: To Tolerate or Note to Tolerate? - YouTube

* It's Time for the Tolerant Left to be Intolerant - Ashley’s Substack Post

Connect with USS: United SHE Stands InstagramThis episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

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Breaking Free from Christian Nationalism: April Ajoy's Story

Sara Petrie and Ashley Kindsvatter — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:30:00 GMT

For this week’s episode, we’re joined by April Ajoy, the author of Star-Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith. She is also a content creator and podcast host who uses humor to shine light on harmful, toxic, and sometimes just weird traits of American Evangelicalism. After growing up an evangelist’s kid entrenched in Christian Nationalism and working in conservative Christian media, she saw the harm caused firsthand. Still a Christian, she uses her platform to expose the dangers of Christian Nationalism while promoting a more inclusive faith. April has been featured on Buzzfeed, CNN, Newsweek and more. She’s been married to Beecher for 10 years and they have two daughters together.

Connect with April:

The sacred pause between the election and what comes next

*Purchase her book: Star-Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding A True Faith

Connect with USS: United SHE Stands Instagram

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Website: https://www.kevwyxin.com/

* Instagram: @kevwyxin

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

What You Really Need to Know About Making America Healthy Again: Dr. Jessica Knurick on Navigating Nutrition Myths & Public Health Policies

Ashley Kindsvatter, Sara Petrie, and Jessica Knurick, PhD, RDN — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 11:00:00 GMT

• Exploration of how the MAHA movement oversimplifies complex health issues

• Examination of the societal factors influencing America’s nutritional challenges

• Guidance on navigating misinformation and amplifying credible scientific voices

• Emphasis on understanding the difference between correlation and causation

• Insight into political motivations behind corporate-friendly health policies.

Connect with Dr. Jess:

Instagram

TikTok

Website

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USS Instagram

USS Substack

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

Website: https://www.kevwyxin.com/

Instagram: @kevwyxin

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What Now? Sustaining Political Activism: Strategies for Year-Round Engagement and Empowerment

Ashley Kindsvatter and Sara Petrie — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 12:40:00 GMT

In episode 104, our first episode of 2025, we emphasize the importance of maintaining political engagement and activism beyond the electoral season. We discuss methods for building resilience, defeating the temptation to disengage, and actionable ways to support democracy through time and financial donations.

Resources

Linda McMahon - Wikipedia

Why we choose to financially support these organizations - Instagram

United SHE Stands | Substack

Connect with USS: United SHE Stands Instagram

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

Website: https://www.kevwyxin.com/

Instagram: @kevwyxin

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

From the Vault! Ranked Choice Voting with Kyle Herman from Rank the Vote Ohio

Ashley Kindsvatter and Sara Petrie — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 13:30:00 GMT

Re-RE-releasing this episode about Ranked Choice Voting with our friend Kyle Herman because this effort is underway in Ohio!

Original Air Date: May 2, 2023

Resources

* Rank the Vote Ohio's website

* Rank the Vote Ohio's Action Page (for volunteering, donating, events, etc)

* Rank the Vote Ohio's Online Petition (to join our supporter list)

* Rank the Vote USA's coalition page (to find partners in other states)

* FairVote's state allies coalition page

* History of Ranked Choice Voting in Ohio

* RepresentWomen's report on how Ranked Choice Voting is helping cities move toward gender parity

* How Ranked Choice Voting can reduce the harms of gerrymandering in Ohio

* How Ranked Choice Voting can help reduce corruption in Ohio

Connect with USS: United SHE Stands Instagram

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

From the Vault! Empowering Change: Sharon McMahon on Unsung Heroes, Patriotism, and Local Action

Ashley Kindsvatter, Sharon McMahon, and Sara Petrie — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 13:49:05 GMT

For episode 102, we're re-releasing our interview with THE Sharon McMahon, AKA @SharonSaysSo on Instagram. Enjoy!

Original Air Date: October 22, 2024

Connect with Sharon: