In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Rose Lounsbury, who's running to represent Ohio House District 36, to talk about the issues that matter to Ohio families.

We dig into her priorities for the state, including how she'd approach education funding, how to balance gun rights with public safety, and how to protect women's rights and everyone's access to affordable healthcare. We also get a sense of what kind of leader she'd be.

Gun safety remains a deeply personal issue for many Ohio families, especially in the wake of the August 4, 2019 mass shooting in Dayton. You can read the FBI's investigative report on the attack here for more context on what happened that day.

Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for, regardless of how you vote, we want you to hear directly from the candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they'd lead.

Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at AmericanMotherhood.com.

In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Samantha Salamon, who is running to represent Ohio House District 35, to talk about the issues that matter most to Ohio families.

We cover the top concerns for families, including affordability, public education, property taxes, and how our legislature can create change for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. Above all, this is a conversation between two moms, appreciating the hard work of motherhood and recognizing that mothers are uniquely positioned to understand this world and make change for our kids.

Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for. It's to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they would lead.

Resources for this conversation:

We've included resources below to help you explore the issues discussed in this interview. They may provide additional context, support what was said, or offer information that adds nuance or a different perspective.

Want to know how much your school district receives from the State of Ohio? The Ohio Department of Education & Workforce publishes state funding and financial data for every public school district.

1. District Profile Report (Cupp Report): the most user-friendly option, with revenue by source, expenditures, enrollment, and other financial data for individual districts.
2. Traditional District Payment Reports (Excel): raw payment data by fiscal year, select your report and find your district in the spreadsheet. FY2026 Final #1 is the most current final report available.

If you or someone you know needs support related to domestic violence or human trafficking:

1. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), available 24/7, or chat at thehotline.org.
2. Ohio Domestic Violence Network: resources and legal support for survivors across Ohio. odvn.org/resource-center
3. National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888, text 233733, available 24/7 in over 200 languages. humantraffickinghotline.org
4. Ohio's Statewide Human Trafficking Hotline (844-END-OHHT / 844-363-6448): operated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, connects tips directly to local law enforcement and task forces.

Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at AmericanMotherhood.com.

In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Don Leonard, Democratic candidate for Ohio’s 15th Congressional District, to discuss the issues affecting Ohio families and his priorities for the district and the state.

We ask him about affordability and the challenges facing families today, including housing, healthcare, childcare, and the unique pressures facing the sandwich generation. In this conversation, we’re reminded that we can aim higher for the next generation, and Don shares how he would work to shape Ohio’s future.

Our goal isn’t to tell you who to vote for. It’s to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates, understand their positions and priorities, and get a better sense of how they would approach the issues that matter to families.

Resources for this conversation:

We’ve included resources below to help you explore some of the issues discussed in this interview. They provide additional context, background information, and perspectives on topics raised during our conversation.

Benefits Cliff Calculator

Explore how changes in family income can affect taxes, public benefits, and overall household resources.

Medigap and Pre-existing Conditions

Learn about Medicare Supplement Insurance enrollment protections and how pre-existing conditions can affect coverage.

Proposed Changes to Head Start

Read more about proposed federal changes to Head Start regulations and what they could mean for Head Start programs and the families they serve.

New Mexico’s Universal Child Care Program

Learn how New Mexico expanded childcare assistance to provide no-cost childcare regardless of family income.

Connecticut’s Child Care Affordability Model

Learn about Connecticut’s plan to provide no-cost childcare through its Early Start CT program for families earning up to $100,000, while capping family contributions at 7% of household income for families earning more than $100,000. The changes are expected to begin in 2027. 

Subscribe so you don't miss our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series, and follow us on Instagram for more.

In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Mr. Cleophus Dulaney, Republican candidate for Ohio’s Third Congressional District, to discuss the issues affecting Ohio families and his priorities for the district and the state.

We asked him about affordable housing, property taxes, education, his vision for Ohio, and the kind of leader he would be.

Our goal isn’t to tell you who to vote for. It’s to give Ohio voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, understand their positions and priorities, and get a better sense of how they would approach the issues that matter to families.

Resources for This Conversation

We’ve included resources below to help you explore some of the issues and claims discussed during this interview. These sources may provide additional context, support information shared during the conversation, or offer additional perspectives and background.

What does the U.S. Constitution say about federal taxes?

National Archives: 16th Amendment

Congress.gov: Constitution Annotated, 16th Amendment 

What does the Ohio Constitution say about funding public schools? Ohio Constitution, Article VI: Education

To learn more about how public schools are funded in Ohio, listen to our own American Motherhood: Schoolhouse Series (6 episodes)

Ohio House Bill 114: The legislation addresses kindergarten age requirements and took effect March 20, 2026. Ohio Legislature: House Bill 114 

The history of tariffs: This nonpartisan CRS report provides historical context on U.S. tariff policy, including tariffs’ role in federal revenue and trade policy: Congressional Research Service: U.S. Tariff Policy: Overview 

A timeline and background on the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Jan 6 timeline

Criminal complaint involving Cleophus Dulaney: United States of America v. Cleophus Dulaney

Arrest of Joyce Beatty: Roll Call: Capitol Police arrest Rep. Joyce Beatty at protest

2020 Election Results:

1. Peer-reviewed research from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: PNAS research

2. U.S. House Select Committee: January 6 Final Report: President Trump Had His Day in Court

3. PolitiFact: More than 60 of Trump’s election lawsuits lacked merit 

What does bipartisanship actually look like at the Ohio Statehouse, and why should Ohio families care?

In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Senator Louis Blessing, a Republican member of the Ohio Senate representing the 8th District, to talk about what happens when lawmakers look beyond party labels and work toward common ground.

We discuss how much collaboration really happens behind the scenes at the Statehouse, what it takes to be a productive partner across party lines, and whether compromise can actually lead to better outcomes for Ohio families. Senator Blessing also shares how becoming a father shaped the way he approaches family policy and the issues Ohio parents are raising with him.

At American Motherhood, we believe being an informed voter means looking beyond party labels and understanding not only what our elected officials believe, but how they lead, listen, and work with others.

Grab your coffee and join us for a conversation about bipartisanship, leadership, and what it means to find common ground in Ohio.

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Before we sit down with Ohio's candidates, we wanted to better understand the campaigns behind them.

At American Motherhood, we believe civic engagement starts with curiosity. Who actually runs a political campaign? What rules do campaigns operate under? And how can busy parents meaningfully support the leaders they believe in?

In this episode, Bethany and guest co-host Hayley are joined by Louise Valentine, a mom, nonprofit leader, advocate, and political strategist who works with female candidates across Central Ohio. Together, we pull back the curtain on campaign operations, volunteer involvement, fundraising, messaging, and the realities of running for office.

But the conversation doesn't stop there. It also explores an idea many of us don't consider enough. If we want strong leaders representing our communities, what responsibility do we have to help make that possible?

Whether you're deeply involved in politics or just beginning your civic journey, American Motherhood invites you to learn alongside us as we explore the people, policies, and processes shaping our families, our communities, and our future.

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Most of us don't think about family leave until we suddenly need it, and by then it's too late to plan. For millions of Ohio workers, that moment of need is met with an uncomfortable truth: your job may be protected, but your paycheck is not.

In this episode, Bethany sits down with Senator Dr. Beth Liston, physician, legislator, and mother, to talk about Ohio Senate Bill 369, a proposed paid family leave program that could fundamentally change how Ohio workers navigate some of life's most demanding moments. From the birth of a child to a serious illness to caring for an aging parent, SB 369 aims to ensure that taking time away from work doesn't mean choosing between your family and your financial stability.

We break down what FMLA actually guarantees today, what it doesn't, and why so many Ohio families are left doing impossible math at the worst possible time. Then we get into the bill itself: who would be covered, what wage replacement would look like, how the program would be funded, and the exemptions built in for small businesses. We also explore why paid family leave is not just a family issue, it's a workforce and economic issue.

Senator Liston is candid about the political landscape, what feels different about this moment, and why the path forward depends heavily on the coalition - and the everyday Ohioans - rallying around the issue. This one is personal, and we talk about what you can do to fight for the future of working mothers and families.

Resources:

TimeToCareOhio.org

Groundwork OHIO: The Case for Paid Family Leave in Ohio

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In the final episode of American Motherhood: Schoolhouse Edition, Yana Doughty closes the series with a focused look at how strong communities are built through powerful partnerships, as illustrated between the Ohio City of Westerville and Westerville City Schools.

Our guest, Monica Dupee, Westerville City Manager, shares how city leadership and the school district work together to support families, expand student opportunity, and strengthen long-term community stability.

Across this series, we have unpacked the systems behind education, including funding, policy, and governance, while consistently returning to the same core idea. Strong schools are built through informed questions, engaged parents, and aligned community partners, yourself included.

If you've ever felt like your voice does not matter or that these systems are too complicated to engage with, this conversation is a reminder that you do not have to be an expert to participate. You just have to stay informed, ask questions, and show up.

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In this episode of the Schoolhouse Series from American Motherhood, Yana is joined by Steve Osborne for a conversation about how public school budgets actually work.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in school finance, Osborne explains how district budgets are structured, where funding is allocated, and what drives rising costs in areas such as instruction, transportation, special education, facilities, and safety. The episode also examines common misconceptions surrounding administrative spending, local control, and school funding flexibility.

Designed as a practical guide for parents and community members, this conversation offers a clearer understanding of the financial realities shaping today’s public schools.

Resources: Ohio Department of Education & Workforce

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Bridging the Gap: Motherhood and Civic Life is a live panel conversation from American Motherhood exploring how moms navigate the intersection of parenting and public life. In this special episode, panelists Kimberly Blair, Jamille Jones, Kelley Stocker, and Kristin Sutton, alongside moderator, Ohio House Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, reflect on what it means to stay engaged in civic spaces while raising a family - whether that’s staying informed, attending local meetings, volunteering, advocating, running for office, or simply having more intentional conversations in everyday life.

We’re grateful to our panelists, moderator, and the moms who joined us in person to be part of this dialogue, and we’re honored to share it with you. Our hope is that this conversation leaves you feeling encouraged, validated, and equipped to find your own way of engaging in civic life in a way that fits your season of motherhood.

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