The People Behind the Candidates: A Conversation with Dee Elder   Host Amy McDonald engages in an insightful discussion with Dee Elder, a former candidate and current political consultant at New Way Forward Strategies. They delve into Dee's personal journey in politics, starting as a transgender woman in South Carolina, and her eventual candidacy against a state senator. The conversation also covers the challenges of campaigning, the importance of a volunteer coordinator, and the evolving media landscape. Additionally, they touch on broader topics such as anti-trans legislation, the impact of propaganda, and the necessity of hope in today's political climate.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:27 Meet Dee Elder: A Journey into Politics 01:46 Challenges and Struggles in South Carolina 04:10 Running for Office: The Decision and Campaign 13:00 Current Work and Future Plans 22:50 Balancing Life and Politics 31:45 The Ripple Effects of Losing Medicaid 32:19 Young Political Hopefuls and Their Impact 32:49 Discussing Dr. Annie Andrews' Candidacy 33:34 Election Integrity and Lindsey Graham's Vulnerability 34:46 The Problem with Gerrymandering 38:21 The Difference Between Democrats and Republicans 43:55 The Role of Empathy in Politics 44:47 Raising the Next Generation of Leaders 46:19 Nancy Mace and Nepotism at The Citadel 49:09 Political Opportunism and Campaign Strategies 52:27 Fundraising and Campaign Management 58:17 The Gaza Conflict and Political Hypocrisy 01:00:21 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans  

Hunter Garcia Miranda: Grassroots Change and Policy Priorities   Follow his campaign at HunterMiranda2026.com   Host Amy McDonald engages in a conversation with California attorney Hunter Garcia Miranda on 'The Foolish Optimist Podcast.' Miranda discusses his background in law and politics, focusing on his shift towards challenging the Democratic Party establishment.   He emphasizes the need for bold policy changes, particularly in immigration and reducing corporate influence in politics. The conversation covers voter misinformation, the economic burden on middle and lower-class Americans, and a detailed look at local and international issues, such as the situation in Gaza. Miranda also outlines plans to mobilize voters in his district, emphasizing grassroots support and tangible policy proposals.   00:00 Welcome to The Foolish Optimist Podcast 00:32 Introducing Hunter Garcia Miranda 00:42 Hunter's Legal and Political Journey 01:16 Grassroots Politics and Challenges 01:33 Addressing Misconceptions in Politics 03:12 Hunter's Motivation for Running 06:00 The Influence of Big Money in Politics 09:15 The Role of Policy in Campaigns 13:39 The Israel-Palestine Conflict 20:51 Local Issues and National Spending 30:18 Economic Inequality and Corporate Profiteering 31:22 Monopolies and Market Control 33:12 Political Inaction and the Need for Change 39:29 Healthcare System Failures 46:13 Campaign Strategies and Grassroots Movements 51:09 Get to Know Hunter Miranda  

Conversations on Comedy, Law, and Modern Political Realities   In this episode of The Foolish Optimist Podcast, Amy sits down with Ish, a former lawyer turned comedian and TikTok creator known for her series 'Revenge Ideas from a Lawyer That Won't Get You Arrested'.   They dive into Ish's unorthodox career journey, mental health struggles during law school, and transition into stand-up comedy. They discuss the absurdities of legal work, the impact of economic and social issues on everyday lives, and the critical need for systemic change. The conversation wraps up with reflections on societal values, the potential for a feminist-led revolution, and a hopeful outlook on future progress.     00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:52 Starting a Podcast and Commitment 01:35 Transition from Law to Comedy 02:12 Law School and Mental Health Struggles 04:27 Practicing Law and Burnout 08:59 Personal Struggles and Moving Home 09:59 TikTok Series and Quitting Law 10:55 Sobriety and New Beginnings 12:13 Politics, Comedy, and Social Commentary 13:06 Nail Talk and Personal Preferences 31:44 Reflecting on Body Image and Bullying 32:50 The Consequences of Free Speech 33:36 Comedy and Controversial Topics 34:32 Navigating Online Hate and Comments 36:31 Calling Out White Women 37:28 The Handmaid's Tale and White Women's Concerns 41:21 White Women's Advocacy and Survival Mechanisms 55:48 The Role of Women in Resistance 56:57 The Impact of Media Blackouts 01:02:04 The Supreme Court and Authoritarianism 01:07:04 Cultural Shifts and Racial Demographics 01:07:31 Conservative Values and Gun Control 01:08:59 Child Marriage and Legal Loopholes 01:10:50 Historical Parallels and Labor Issues 01:11:50 White Supremacy and Capitalism 01:12:20 Leftist Ideals and Social Justice 01:26:26 Billionaires and Economic Disparities 01:29:34 The Myth of the American Dream 01:32:21 Education and Hard Work 01:41:40 Podcast Conclusion and Call to Action  

The Power of Grassroots: Daniel Byron's Campaign for Pennsylvania's Ninth District   Follow Daniel Byron and his campaign at ByronForCongress.com   Host Amy McDonald of The Foolish Optimist Podcast converses with Daniel Byron, a single father, full-time student, and retail manager running for Pennsylvania's Ninth District US Congress seat in 2026. Byron, disillusioned by the Democratic Party's lack of strong candidates and inspired to take action following Trump's second-term win, aspires to represent ordinary people. He highlights his efforts to connect with voters on key issues like affordability, healthcare, and digital reform. Byron shares his views on impactful grassroots campaigning, the importance of engaging working-class voters, and promoting transparency and equity in both healthcare and digital privacy policies.   00:00 Welcome to the Foolish Optimist Podcast 00:29 Meet Daniel Byron: A Candidate's Journey 01:44 Challenges in the Ninth District 03:00 The Importance of Local Elections 05:10 The Role of the Democratic National Party 06:29 Affordability and the Middle Class 13:04 Engaging with Republican Voters 19:46 Digital Reform: A New Frontier 33:57 Consumer Protections and Inflation 35:25 The Role of Regulations and Tech Giants 36:39 Rural District Dynamics 38:20 Voter Suppression Concerns 40:21 Supreme Court and Political Strategies 41:51 Economic Inequality and Political Manipulation 47:17 Campaign Finance and Term Limits 52:03 Healthcare Affordability and Reforms 54:22 Student Debt Crisis Solutions 59:32 Final Thoughts and Personal Insights  

Anthony DeRibas: Advocating for Real Change in Florida's 16th District   Follow along with the campaign at DeRibasForCongress.org or AnthonyDeRibasforFL16 on socials   Host Amy McDonald of The Foolish Optimist podcast engages with Anthony DeRibas, an independent candidate running for Florida's 16th Congressional District. DeRibas shares his journey from his first political run in 1998 to his current campaign, emphasizing the need for debt reform, civil liberties, and true working-class representation in Congress. He discusses the barriers faced by independent candidates, such as closed primaries and steep ballot fees, and outlines his platform focusing on housing, healthcare, and immigration. DeRibas also critiques the entrenched two-party system and highlights the importance of collaboration for meaningful change in American politics.   00:00 Introduction to the Foolish Optimist Podcast 00:13 Meet Anthony DeRibas: A Working-Class Candidate 00:50 Anthony's Political Journey: From 1998 to Now 02:34 Challenges of Running as an Independent 06:17 Campaign Finance and Ballot Access 15:54 Housing, Healthcare, and Immigration: Key Issues 21:11 Rental Fees and Corporate Abuses 21:43 Income Qualification Reform 21:54 Libertarian Views and Generational Challenges 23:33 Government Intervention and Corporate Accountability 24:10 Credit Score Protections and Application Fee Regulations 24:46 Local Oversight and Tenant Associations 25:42 Immigration Policies and Family Separation 27:35 Florida's Immigration Issues and Homelessness 29:08 Economic Arguments and Policy Choices 30:50 Complexity of Government and Long-Term Solutions 33:54 Military Spending and Domestic Needs 37:58 Campaign Information and Social Media 38:58 Get to Know the Candidate: Fun Questions 45:04 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

Building People-Powered Leadership: A Conversation with Andres Castro   You can follow his campaign at CastroForGeorgia.com  Host Amy McDonald engages in a discussion with Andres Castro, a software engineer and working-class advocate running for Georgia's fifth congressional district. Castro, who is committed to universal healthcare, strong labor protections, and affordable housing, shares his vision for a fairer economy and society. He discusses his initial motivation to enter politics following a personal crisis, his strategy for his campaign likened to a tech startup, and the importance of workers' rights and fair wages. The conversation touches on the role of AI in society, the need for modern infrastructure, and Castro's personal journey into software engineering. The episode highlights Castro's ideas for creating a more equitable future and his approach to addressing the key issues faced by his constituents. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement00:59 Why Andres Castro is Running for Congress01:36 Challenges and Realizations in the Political Landscape04:11 The Role of AI in Society and Government10:20 Andres Castro's Background and Journey13:08 Living in Georgia and Community Insights15:49 Key Issues in Georgia's Fifth District17:57 The Importance of Fair Wages and Worker Protections25:28 Building a Better Society Through Community and Support27:35 Economic Inequality and Government Loopholes28:56 New York City's Mini Revolution29:32 The Importance of Free Public Transportation30:54 Challenges Facing Progressive Politics32:43 Healthcare System Failures and Personal Stories37:12 Running for Office and New Visions for the Future41:04 Community Involvement and Local Organizations44:07 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights50:53 Campaign Information and Closing Remarks

Navigating Political Campaigns: A Deep Dive with Delaware County Dem Chair Kathleen Hayek   Host Amy McDonald sits down with Kathleen Hayek, the chair of the Delaware County Democratic Committee, on the Optimist Podcast. Kathleen shares her journey from being an artist to a pivotal political figure, explaining her early influences and passion-driven political work. The discussion covers the roles and responsibilities of county chairs, the intricacies of campaign management, and the importance of grassroots engagement. They also touch upon the significance of supporting candidates, the impact of campaign finance reforms, and the necessity of blending passion with practical strategy in running successful campaigns. 00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks 00:15 Meet Kathleen Hayek: Chair of Delaware County Democratic Committee 00:50 Understanding the County System and Candidate Support 02:03 Kathleen's Journey into Politics 06:51 Campaigning: The Highs and Challenges 09:55 Role and Responsibilities of a County Chair 20:01 Campaign Finance and Support Systems 27:59 Grassroots Politics and Community Engagement 34:37 Touring Georgia's Infrastructure Improvements 35:19 The Importance of Communication in Politics 37:07 The Power of Door Knocking 38:56 Challenges of Campaigning in Different Regions 41:10 The Role of County Committees 50:42 The Future of the Democratic Party 59:35 The Importance of Primaries and Candidate Support 01:04:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement  

Empowering Communities: J'Kwan Fulmore's Mission for Fayetteville City Council -   Donate to the campaign http://secure.actblue.com/donate/jkwan-fulmore?refcode=directory   In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, hosted by Amy McDonald, we meet J'Kwan Fulmore, a progressive candidate running for City Council in Fayetteville, North Carolina. J'Kwan, a traveling chef, educator, and founder of the nonprofit 'Everybody Eats,' shares his journey from growing up in Fayetteville to creating solutions for food insecurity and advocating for equitable resource allocation in the city. He discusses the systemic gaps that persist in Fayetteville, his vision for sustainable community development, and the importance of local government in effecting meaningful change. As J'Kwan gears up for the 2025 election, he dives deep into his plans for creating a pipeline for livable wage jobs, addressing utility price gouging, and engaging the community through innovative youth programs. Learn how J'Kwan plans to make a lasting impact and why he believes in the power of community-driven change. 00:00 Welcome to the Foolish Optimist Podcast 00:26 Meet J'Kwan Fulmore: Candidate for City Council 00:45 Addressing the Gaps in the System 02:37 Challenges in Accessing Resources 06:08 The Livable Wage Crisis 08:07 Utility and Environmental Issues in Fayetteville 09:46 Incentivizing Local Employment 14:25 Controversial Rezoning and Community Impact 20:14 Political Drama and Transparency Issues 22:33 The Importance of Community Engagement 38:33 The Importance of Voter Turnout 38:59 Engaging the Younger Demographic 40:28 Challenges in Voter Suppression 42:10 Simplifying Complex Topics for Social Media 45:03 Addressing Misinformation and Civic Education 46:07 Innovative Approaches to Youth Engagement 52:52 The Struggles of Implementing School Gardens 58:56 The Power of Community Collaboration 01:03:33 Get to Know the Candidate

Empowering Local Communities: A Conversation with Matthew Glover - Follow his campaign on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MatthewGloverForHouseDistrict12/ Host Amy McDonald of The Foolish Optimist podcast interviews Matthew Glover, who is running for the Alabama State House District 12 in a special election. They discuss Glover's background, his previous tenure on the Good Hope City Council, and his commitment to returning power to local government from the state. Glover shares his views on pressing issues such as state control over local municipalities, the impact of state laws on rural and urban communities, Medicaid expansion, the economic benefits of eliminating the grocery tax, and sensible regulations around hemp and cannabis. The conversation also delves into the challenges of running a political campaign in a predominantly Republican district, the importance of grassroots support, and the role of local politics in improving community life. 00:00 Welcome to the Foolish Optimist Podcast 00:27 Meet Matthew Glover: Candidate for Alabama State House 01:19 The Importance of Local Politics 01:41 Challenges in Alabama's State Governance 06:15 The Fight for Direct Citizen Initiatives 08:17 Campaign Finance and Barriers to Entry 11:21 Collaborating with Neighboring Districts 15:31 Addressing Key Issues: Taxes and Healthcare 21:30 Medicaid Expansion and Rural Healthcare 25:49 The Push for Hemp Legalization 26:21 Hemp Legislation and Its Impacts 26:50 Understanding Delta-8 and Delta-9 27:22 Legal Loopholes and Enforcement 29:32 Political Accountability and Expertise 30:24 Challenges in Political Communication 33:42 Balancing Constituency Needs 38:05 Personal Insights and Rapid Fire Questions 45:46 Conclusion and Call to Action

Follow along with Drew's campaign at WilliamsForKY.com Host Amy McDonald sits down with Drew Williams, a candidate for the US House of Representatives from Kentucky's 1st district, to discuss his campaign and vision for the district. Drew, a lifelong Marshall, Kentucky native, emphasizes the importance of improving rural infrastructure, promoting small-town business, and enhancing congressional ethics. During the episode, Drew talks about the need for grassroots initiatives, small business incentives, and community upliftment. He also shares his insights on healthcare accessibility in rural areas and systemic corruption in politics, advocating for greater transparency and reform in Congressional operations. Other topics include the challenges of child care, the necessity of walking and biking paths in rural areas, the importance of critical thinking in education, and fostering community engagement. Drew underscores the importance of collective action and community-focused campaigns to drive meaningful change. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:50 Drew Williams' Background and Motivation02:05 Rural Revitalization and Economic Growth04:00 Challenges in Rural Healthcare08:51 Congressional Ethics and Lobbying14:34 Campaign Finance and Transparency19:45 Local Issues and Community Engagement32:47 Tater Day and Community Events34:56 Reviving Community Events37:54 Challenges of Childcare Costs41:06 Parental Leave and Support Systems49:34 Education System Reforms55:13 Campaign Information and Closing Remarks

Folllow Robert on tiktok, instagram, substack or youtube at Defiance13    Host Amy McDonald engages in a conversation with Robert Arnold, a writer, poet, and activist from Helena, Arkansas. Arnold discusses his blend of Southern storytelling with political activism and touches on his current work with political candidates, including writing for Halle Schaffner who is running against Tom Cotton. They delve into topics such as climate and heat waves, the frustrations with political misinformation, the importance of social services, and the shortcomings of the American political system. Arnold also shares his insights on the broader landscape of partisan politics, the challenges facing Arkansas, and his broader vision for a more informed and engaged citizenry.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:33 Casual Conversation and Heat Wave 02:18 Pen Preferences and Stationery Talk 04:26 Diving into Politics 04:42 Economic and Political Insights 16:02 Healthcare and Social Issues in Arkansas 20:51 Gerrymandering and Political Strategies 24:53 Corruption and Accountability in Politics 31:17 The Role of Media and Public Perception 46:14 Personal Reflections and Political Goals 50:13 Crafting Effective Political Plans 50:41 The Platinum Rule in Politics 51:20 Respect for Hard Work in Farming 52:12 Challenges and Rewards of Farming 53:40 Skills from the Restaurant Industry 55:37 Women in Politics 56:24 Arkansas Political History 01:04:56 China as a Strategic Competitor 01:15:22 The Importance of Arts and Culture 01:17:32 The Role of USAID and Global Power 01:21:33 Critique of Trump's Economic Policies 01:29:08 The Influence of Shonda Rhimes 01:32:28 Conclusion and Social Media Handles  

Follow Jordan's campaign at electjordan.com  In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, host Amy McDonald interviews Jordan Wood, a US Senate candidate from Maine. Jordan discusses his background in combating corruption through his work with Democracy First and End Citizens United. He outlines his 2026 campaign priorities, focusing on fighting political corruption, democracy reform, and addressing key affordability issues such as healthcare, housing, and childcare. Jordan shares his experiences living in Maine and Washington, DC, his stance on bipartisan cooperation, and the impact of big money in politics. He emphasizes the importance of rebuilding trust with voters through transparency and engagement, including his commitment to holding regular town halls. The episode concludes with Jordan's reflections on personal motivations, his family life with his husband and daughter, and his deep connection to the community in Maine. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:26 Meet Jordan Wood: A Senate Candidate from Maine01:32 Jordan's Motivation for Running03:28 Tackling Political Corruption and Money in Politics05:37 Personal Stories and Campaign Finance Reform16:55 The Role of a Senator and Serving Constituents32:48 The Power of Failure and Resilience33:03 Campaign Strategies and Trust Building33:56 Political System and Reality TV Analogy34:39 Town Halls and Voter Engagement35:41 Affordability Crisis and Childcare36:15 High Voter Turnout in Maine38:52 Community Organizing and Political Mobilization40:26 Demographic Shifts and Economic Impact47:59 Healthcare and Economic Decisions49:00 Campaign Goals and Future Vision53:00 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights58:50 Conclusion and Podcast Information  

You can follow Josh's campaign at JoshTaveras.com   Empowering Change with Josh Taveras   In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, Amy McDonald interviews Josh Taveras, a candidate for the US House of Representatives from New York's Second Congressional District. Josh, a proud gay Dominican American and first-generation college graduate, discusses his motivation to run for office and his commitment to implementing bold, people-first policies. They delve into Josh's background in community organizing, his focus on issues such as housing affordability, public transportation, and LGBTQ+ rights, and his grassroots campaign efforts. Josh also shares his personal experiences and how they drive his passion for creating positive change in his community.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:48 Josh Taveras' Background and Motivation 01:40 Community Involvement and Impact 03:11 District Demographics and Challenges 05:01 Voter Engagement and Political Landscape 07:51 Housing Affordability Issues 10:35 Transportation and Accessibility 12:08 LGBTQ+ Rights and Challenges 14:57 Education and Disinformation 19:23 Campaign Strategy and Grassroots Efforts 24:46 ICE Activity and Immigration Issues 29:26 Website Information and Smart Domain Choices 29:55 Favorite Thing About the District: The Food 30:28 Taveras Taste: Promoting Local Food Businesses 32:15 Advice for Young People Entering Politics 34:26 The Attention Economy and Taking Breaks 36:58 Rapid Fire Questions: Getting to Know Josh 46:31 Personal Struggles and Motivation for Running 48:57 Conclusion and Where to Follow Josh 50:49 Podcast Wrap-Up and Thank You

Deep Dive: The Importance of Down Ballot Races with Kyle PhD (follow him on TikTok and Bluesky at KyleIPHD) In this special episode of The Foolish Optimist, host Amy McDonald interviews Kyle PhD, a neuroscientist who turned to TikTok during the 2024 election cycle. They discuss Kyle's journey from earning his PhD in neuroscience to becoming a viral voice on TikTok, highlighting down ballot races across the U.S. They explore the significance of local elections, the impact of grassroots activism, and the importance of addressing propaganda in today's political landscape. Tune in to hear about Kyle's inspiring journey, the role of hope in activism, and their shared commitment to effecting change in American politics. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement00:22 Meet Kyle PhD: From Neuroscience to TikTok Activism01:45 Understanding Down Ballot Races03:49 The Importance of Local Elections04:19 Kyle's Political Journey and Viral Moments06:35 The Power of Hope and Political Engagement14:55 Challenges and Opportunities in Upcoming Elections17:01 Combating Propaganda and Disinformation30:11 The Republican Platform and Purity Politics30:37 Challenges in Democratic Campaigns31:10 Hope and Action in Alabama32:41 The Big Tent of the Left33:09 Personal Political Identity35:54 Supreme Court and Judicial Concerns46:32 The Importance of Empathy and Community50:30 Dungeons & Dragons and Building Community57:38 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Follow Jasmine's Campaign for US Senate out of Oklahoma at NkiylaforOK on all socials Campaigning for Change: N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas on Equity, Representation, and Tribal Sovereignty In this episode of The Foolish Optimist podcast, host Amy McDonald interviews N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas, a senatorial candidate for Oklahoma. Jasmine shares her background as a proud nurse, military spouse, and Chickasaw woman, and discusses her historic run for the U.S. Senate. She emphasizes the importance of fighting for working families, equitable healthcare, and real support for military and special needs families. Jasmine also speaks about her unique perspective as a multiracial woman and addresses key issues in Oklahoma, such as education, housing, and the challenges faced by small businesses. The conversation highlights her commitment to representing and serving all Oklahomans while driving meaningful change. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:15 Jasmine Thomas: Background and Motivation02:49 Challenges and Experiences in Healthcare05:01 Tribal Sovereignty and Cultural Preservation14:49 Housing and Education Issues in Oklahoma22:46 Accountability in Government and Personal Growth31:00 Consequences of Industry Misconduct31:14 Sharing Personal Work Experiences31:55 The Value of Diverse Professional Backgrounds32:47 Challenges Faced by Small Business Owners36:59 Healthcare and Medicaid Issues41:46 Voter Turnout and Political Engagement48:07 Campaign Strategies and Community Involvement51:53 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks  

Follow Loren's campaign at LorenColinForCongress.com.   On this episode of The Foolish Optimist Podcast, host Amy McDonald welcomes Loren Colin, an independent candidate running for the US House District 34 in California. Colin, a Southern California native with a background in marketing and technology, discusses his journey, motivations for running, and his vision for progressive policies to break the current two-party system. The conversation covers a range of topics, including healthcare, housing, homelessness, economic disparity, and the importance of empathy and anti-racism. Tune in to hear Collin's thoughts on the need for governmental change and how his unique perspective aims to address the needs of one of the most diverse districts in the country.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:57 Loren's Political Journey and Independent Run 01:55 Defining Independence and Political Ideologies 04:50 Government's Role and Economic Policies 15:38 District Overview and Local Issues 20:41 Housing Crisis and Solutions 32:27 Campaign Strategy and Vision 33:25 Comparing Healthcare Systems: US vs. Germany and Japan 34:11 Taxation and Public Services: A Closer Look 34:55 Racism and Historical Context 36:28 The Benefits of Anti-Racism 37:09 Political Shifts and Self-Interest 39:20 The Role of Fear and Anger in Politics 39:55 The Common Enemy: Oligarchs and Billionaires 55:54 The Independent Movement and Political Change 57:33 Rapid Fire Questions with Loren Collin 01:02:13 Conclusion and Call to Action  

In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, host Amy McDonald interviews Steve Schwab, who is running for the Texas House of Representatives in District 44. Follow his journey on socials or at his website at SchwabforTexas.com   Schwab shares his fascinating life story from growing up in Boston, dealing with family challenges, serving in the Army, to his transition into academia. He discusses his motivation for running for office, focusing on removing MAGA Republicans and the importance of winning local elections to impact national outcomes. Schwab emphasizes on working with people across political divides, the importance of rural voices, and how better representation can improve the quality of life for Texans. The episode delves into Texas's unique legislative structure and Schwab’s strategies for combating the influence of big money in politics. He also reflects on the recent floods in the area and the resilience of the Texas community.   00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup 00:22 Guest Introduction: Steve Schwab 00:39 Steve's Early Life and Family Struggles 02:16 College and Military Service 04:12 Deployment Experiences and Leadership 07:24 Transition to Academia and Research 14:49 Political Awakening and Decision to Run 29:34 Political Manipulation and Media Influence 33:14 Texas State House: Structure and Sessions 36:12 Challenges of Part-Time Legislature 40:48 Campaign Strategies and Rural Outreach 43:01 Flooding Issues and Community Impact 49:18 Final Thoughts and Candidate's Vision  

In this episode of the Foolish Optimist podcast, Amy McDonald engages in a deep conversation with Joyce Takako, a TikTok influencer known for organizing lists of Democratic candidates. You can follow her work @joycetakakoedgington  They discuss Joyce's journey from LGBTQ activism to political involvement, the importance of healthcare reform, and the urgent need for better veteran care. Joyce, a cancer survivor and single mom, shares her current focus on supporting progressive candidates and empowering voters through social media. The episode highlights the significance of community activism, the impact of grassroots efforts, and the necessity of electing empathetic and progressive leaders. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Kickoff00:30 Guest Introduction: Joyce Takako00:52 Joyce's Political Journey01:52 The Impact of the AIDS Crisis02:58 Joyce's Current Life and TikTok Activism03:39 Compiling Candidate Lists06:41 Challenges Facing Veterans10:50 Healthcare and Universal Coverage13:54 Motherhood and Birthing Experiences18:48 Summer Plans and Personal Background24:16 Upcoming Elections and Progressive Candidates30:09 Challenges for Working-Class Candidates31:03 Democratic Party Unity and Leadership31:37 Frustrations with Current Political Climate32:59 Admiration for Progressive Candidates34:57 The Role of PAC Money in Campaigns38:20 Highlighting Veteran Candidates42:55 Empathy and Representation in Politics47:24 Encouraging Political Engagement54:26 The Importance of Government Support56:33 Conclusion: Supporting Democratic Candidates

Follow Elijah on TikTok at ElijahKingNC, Insta at ElijahKingforDurham, or on his website https://www.elijahkingfordurham.com/   In this episode of 'The Foolish Optimist,' host Amy McDonald interviews Elijah King, candidate for Durham City Council Ward One in the 2025 election. A lifelong Durham resident and community organizer, King discusses his motivations for running, including addressing the needs of diverse communities such as Black and brown residents, workers, and small business owners. He highlights key issues like transportation, small business support, and youth opportunities. King shares his personal stories of overcoming challenges and emphasizes his grassroots approach to campaigning. The discussion also covers innovative campaign strategies, such as virtual rallies, and King's efforts to build a coalition that truly represents all of Durham’s residents.     00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:39 Elijah King's Motivation for Running 02:21 Key Issues Facing Durham 05:30 Small Businesses and Community Building 07:38 Campaign Strategies and Community Engagement 12:55 Elijah King's Background and Achievements 18:04 Challenges and Hypocrisy in Politics 23:28 Embracing Authenticity: Tattoos and Realness 23:50 Recruitment Challenges and Overcoming Public Speaking Fears 24:12 Passion for Trains and Vinyl Records 26:42 Scooter Adventures and Community Visibility 27:41 Durham's Political Landscape and Coalition Building 30:33 Addressing Inequality and Building Opportunities 32:15 Bull City Futures Fund and Community Engagement 37:18 Rapid Fire Questions with Elijah King  

In this episode of 'The Foolish Optimist,' host Amy McDonald interviews Dani Sterbinsky, a Navy veteran and HR professional running for the US House of Representatives seat in Arizona's Ninth District. Dani discusses her background, motivation for running, and the key issues facing her district, including education funding and economic inequality. She emphasizes the importance of grassroots campaigning and building community networks to reach voters. The conversation delves into her personal experiences, her stance on various policies, and the challenges of modern political campaigning.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:58 Dani's Background and Motivation 02:14 Life in the Navy 05:02 Post-Navy Career and Social Work 06:34 Challenges in Social Work 10:10 Parenting and Campaigning 11:35 Arizona's Ninth District Issues 12:38 Education and Economic Concerns 23:49 Campaign Strategy and Voter Engagement 28:02 Challenges of Voting Accessibility 29:29 Campaign Information and Signature Collection 31:38 Fundraising and Campaign Finance 35:27 Randomized Personal Questions 40:53 Favorite Politicians and Political Memories 47:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts