The decisions shaping your family’s future aren’t just happening in DC - they’re happening right here in Ohio. In this episode of American Motherhood, I’m joined by Allison Russo, Ohio House Representative and candidate for Ohio Secretary of State, to talk about what’s really at stake for families in the 2026 election.

Allison shares her perspective as both a policymaker and a mom. We discuss the realities of participating in government as a mother, the barriers that exist, and what could make these spaces more accessible for working parents. She also offers practical encouragement for moms who want to get involved - whether you’re just starting to pay attention or considering running for office. We also look ahead to the role of Secretary of State and how Allison looks to rebuild trust in our electoral process.

If you’ve ever wondered how to stay informed and get involved as a busy mom, join us in person for our panel event Bridging the Gap: Motherhood and Civic Life on April 18th at 10am at Westerville North High School.

Subscribe to the American Motherhood podcast and follow on Instagram.

Episode Resources:

The Ohio Channel 

Statehouse News Bureau

Ohio Capital Journal

Ohio House of Representatives

Ohio Senate

Kelley Stocker returns to American Motherhood, now serving as Westerville’s Vice Mayor and bringing her perspective as a high school government teacher.

In this episode, Kelley offers a practical refresher on how Ohio’s government works, what’s on the ballot this year, and how the primary process functions. We break down the differences between state and federal roles, why primaries matter, and what voters need to know heading into Election Day.

If you’re looking to feel informed and confident at the ballot box, this episode provides a straightforward guide to preparing for Ohio’s May 5th primary.

Subscribe to the American Motherhood podcast and follow on Instagram.

Episode Resources:

OH Voter Registration Verification 

Ohio Sample Ballot Directory 

OH Find my District 

Welcome to the next season of American Motherhood.

In this episode, Founder & Host Bethany Kungle and Managing Director Hayley Smith share the vision behind the podcast and what’s ahead in 2026. What began as a shift toward local engagement after the 2024 election has grown into a mission to make politics more accessible and relevant for busy moms.

This year, you’ll hear from candidates, policy experts, community leaders, and moms across Ohio, with clear, practical conversations designed to help you feel informed and confident at the ballot box.

More than a podcast, American Motherhood is building a community - inviting moms of all backgrounds to learn, engage, and help shape the future together.

Join us on Saturday, April 18th for Bridging the Gap: Motherhood & Civic Life at Westerville North High School from 10-11:30am.

Instagram: @americanmotherhood_podcast

Email: [email protected]

Find more at www.AmericanMotherhood.com

Welcome back to American Motherhood, where we explore how society and politics shape motherhood in America. In this special episode, we wrap up the Westerville local election series with two familiar voices: Kelley Stocker, candidate for Westerville City Council, and Tatjana Brown, candidate for Westerville City School Board of Education. We step back to consider what it means to serve the city, and how we as voters can recognize the leadership qualities that matter most in our community.

Thank you to all the candidates who helped make this election more accessible and transparent, and to everyone who’s followed the series for choosing to be informed voters. Together, we’re building a future rooted in equality, understanding, and hope - for our kids and for each other.

Reach me anytime at [email protected].

Our final candidate for Westerville School Board of Education, Nafisa Jamale, was hopeful to participate but we unfortunately weren’t able to connect for an interview. I encourage you to learn more about her at njamale.com or by watching the 2025 Westerville Board of Education Candidate Forum.

In this episode of American Motherhood, we continue our Westerville local election series with our ninth candidate for City Council, John Gatiss. John describes himself as an activist, advocate, and community leader. We discuss how he hopes to balance growth with sustainability and the creative solutions he proposes to address rising costs. He also shares his perspective on transparency in local government, climate action, and community safety.

This local election series is designed to make city government more accessible to you, the voters. If you find this conversation helpful, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe to American Motherhood on your favorite podcast app. You can always reach me at [email protected] if you’d like to join the conversation.

Find John online at GatissforWesterville.com, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky or email him directly at [email protected].

Today we continue our local election series with Westerville City Council candidate, Matt Erney. 

Matt is a husband, father of four, and longtime Westerville resident who built a career through owning two small local businesses. On the campaign trail, he’s emphasized keeping national politics out of local decisions, while focusing on families, safety, and fiscal responsibility.

In this episode, we talk about how Matt’s background shapes his vision for Westerville, what he’s learned from first responders, and how he sees City Council’s role in preserving both affordability and community values. We also dig into topics like utilities, the proposed earned income tax for Westerville City Schools, and what protecting religious freedom means in a diverse and growing city.

Find Matt on MattErney.com, Facebook, or email him directly at [email protected].

As mentioned in the episode: WOSU: Westerville to vote on conversation therapy ban for minors.

Today we’re continuing our local election series with Dr. Coutanya Coombs, Westerville’s Vice-Mayor and City Councilmember who’s running for re-election this fall.

Coutanya is a mom and community builder with a passion for bringing people together across Westerville. In this episode, we talk about the impact she’s had in her first term and her vision moving forward - everything from walkability and transit, to supporting families, to keeping our community safe. She gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead locally and what she hopes residents will be able to point to at the end of her next term.

My goal with this series is to make local elections more accessible for you, the voters. If you find this helpful, please share the episode with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. And if you’d like to join the conversation, you can always reach me at [email protected].

Find Coutanya online at Coombs4Westerville.com, Facebook, or on Instagram.

We continue our local election series with Daniela Beckett, candidate for Westerville City Council. Daniela is a mom, a wife, and Director of Operations for a local business. She’s running on a “people first” approach with a focus on safe neighborhoods and affordability. Her American story begins with an immigration journey from Colombia, and you’ll hear why she and her husband chose Westerville to raise their family.

While this is an election interview, it’s also two moms of young children - on opposite sides of the political spectrum - sharing a conversation about what matters most in our community. This episode brings us back to the heart of the American Motherhood podcast.

This local election series is designed to make local government more accessible to you, the voters. If you find this conversation helpful, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe to American Motherhood on your favorite podcast app.

You can always reach me at [email protected] if you’d like to join the conversation.

Find Daniela on Facebook, DanielaBeckett.com, or email her at [email protected].

Find the most recent information about the proposed earned income tax for our schools at Westerville City Schools.

In this episode of American Motherhood, we continue our Westerville local election series with City Council candidate Preston Stapleton. Preston shares what inspired him to run and how his experiences as both a professional and a parent shape his leadership style. We discuss his priorities-open communication, thoughtful economic growth, preserving green space, and community safety-along with his approach to challenges like traffic, fiscal responsibility, and building consensus in a growing, diverse community.

This local election series is designed to make city government more accessible to you, the voters. If you find this conversation helpful, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe to American Motherhood on your favorite podcast app. You can always reach me at [email protected] if you’d like to join the conversation.

Find Preston on Facebook, Instagram or email him at [email protected].

Watch the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce City Council Candidate Forum here on YouTube.

Today we’re talking with Aaron Glasgow, a current member of Westerville City Council, running for re-election this November. Aaron is an attorney who brings legal expertise, leadership, and a community-centered vision to his role on Council. In our conversation, he reflects on his path to public service, explains the responsibilities within Council, and highlights the impact of his work in Westerville. He also shares what motivates him, the leadership qualities he values, and his top priorities for our city—from casting key votes and guiding development to supporting families and honoring Westerville’s rich history.

This local election series is designed to make city government more accessible to you, the voters. If you find this conversation helpful, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe to American Motherhood on your favorite podcast app. As always, you can reach me at [email protected] if you’d like to join the conversation.

Find Aaron on Facebook, Instagram or on his website at AaronGlasgow.com. Email him at [email protected].