America seems to be more divided than ever before. But why is that? Is it because of leadership? or algorithms? or social media?

In this episode of Founder Talk, I sit down with Mike Nellis, founder of Authentic and creator of the viral Substack Endless Urgency, to dig into how technology, money, and incentives are shaping modern politics — and what’s really broken about the system. Mike shares his journey from working on the Obama campaign to raising over a billion dollars online through digital organizing and political fundraising.

We don’t just talk about politics. We challenge it. Mike believes algorithms and billionaires are driving division, but I push back on whether that’s the full story. We get into how personal responsibility, leadership, and culture play a bigger role than most people want to admit.

We also dive into why campaigns treat voters like ATMs, how Obama and Trump both understood timing and authenticity better than anyone, and what founders can learn from the most successful (and chaotic) campaigns in history.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why political fundraising feels broken — and what it reveals about business incentives

✅ The role algorithms play in shaping culture, and where accountability really belongs

✅ Why building trust beats chasing outrage in both politics and business

✅ How to lead through division, pressure, and public scrutiny

✅ What founders can learn from political campaigns about storytelling, timing, and conviction

If you’ve been searching “how social media shapes politics,” “why America feels divided,” or “the business of political fundraising,” this episode gives you the unfiltered truth — no spin, no talking points.

Connect with Mike

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikenellis/

Guest Website: https://endlessurgency.com/

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Timecodes

00:00 Introduction to Mike Nellis

01:09 Mike's Early Political Journey

02:27 Building Authentic and Entrepreneurial Insights

03:40 Challenges and Successes in Entrepreneurship

06:20 Political Fundraising and Campaign Strategies

09:05 The Role of Social Media in Politics

20:08 The Impact of Algorithms and Media on Society

28:34 Grievances and Lack of Leadership

28:51 The Role of Social Media

29:50 Incentive Structures and Citizenship

32:17 Media and Characterization

35:50 Political Landscape and Predictions

49:12 Challenges Facing Young Men

53:53 Entrepreneurial Journey and Misconceptions

54:19 Discussion on US Debt and Economic Policies

55:21 Good Debt vs. Bad Debt

56:58 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Statistics

58:20 Political Impressions and Humor

01:03:38 Chicago's Crime and Safety Issues

01:11:34 Political Landscape and Future Prospects

01:14:25 Building a Media Company and Final Thoughts