Beyond Resistance Pod

The Beyond Resistance crew is taking a quick summer breather, but not before squeezing in a conversation about two things Midwesterners apparently love: politics and camping. Jennifer and Sarah kick things off with excitement about their brand-new podcast studio (yes, it's in a basement, no, you won't be able to tell) and debate whether camping is a relaxing getaway or just remote work with mosquitoes.

Then they dive into a timely conversation about primary elections: when they're healthy, when they're messy, and why they can shape the future of a political party. The discussion explores the balance between competition and unity, the difference between ideological debates and ego-driven campaigns, and why some primaries become much bigger than the candidates themselves.

Along the way, they talk about the energy behind progressive candidates, what it takes to expand the Democratic tent, and why young and independent voters may be looking for something different than conventional political wisdom suggests. Think of it as a masterclass in party-building with a side of optimistic nervousness, which Jennifer has officially accepted as a lifelong personality trait.

And because this is Beyond Resistance, the episode wraps up with the truly important issues: foil packet dinners, tiny hippie campers, cherry hobo pies, and whether sausage should have that weird skin snap. (Jennifer has thoughts.)

Links & Resources:

📰 Medium Article: https://tinyurl.com/dase85v3

🧵 Threads Thread: https://tinyurl.com/54xyacbj

🎙️ Follow Beyond Resistance for more hard-won insights on building blue power in red communities, one election, organizing conversation, and camping recipe at a time.

Before we get started, a quick heads-up: our internet connections chose chaos for this recording. If JP sounds like he's broadcasting from a spacecraft every now and then, that's just the technology gods keeping us humble. Also, Sarah's lighting was doing something truly unhinged and made her look like she was participating in a witness protection documentary. We powered through. Democracy demanded it.

This week, Jennifer and Sarah sit down with JP Kloberdanz, Vice President of Sales at BallotReady, to talk about one of the biggest challenges in democracy: helping voters figure out who and what is actually on their ballot. From school board races to ballot initiatives that seem intentionally written by a committee of riddles enthusiasts, BallotReady is working to make civic engagement easier and less overwhelming.

JP shares how BallotReady helps voters find personalized ballot information, research candidates from top to bottom of the ticket, understand complicated ballot measures, locate polling places, and create a voting plan. He also tells some absolutely wild stories from the world of election data, including floppy disks, confusing local government structures, and a candidate who literally changed his name to match a popular incumbent. Yes, really.

The conversation dives into voter education, local elections, reducing barriers to participation, and why informed voters are powerful voters. Plus, we wrap up with our signature lightning-round question on what every voter should do before casting a ballot.

Learn more about Ballot Ready: https://www.ballotready.org

Want to connect with JP? Reach out directly at [email protected]

Everything you didn't know you NEEDED to know about Louisiana's absolutely bonkers election chaos.

This week on Beyond Resistance, we sit down with Matt Gromlich, educator, congressional candidate, and all-around democracy defender, for a conversation that will leave you equal parts informed, horrified, and wondering how any of this is legal. Matt walks us through Louisiana's redistricting roller coaster, where elections get canceled midstream, districts get redrawn on the fly, and voters are left trying to figure out what the heck is even happening. It's the kind of political drama that makes reality TV look organized.

We dig into gerrymandering, voter confusion, campaigning in deep-red territory, and why showing up for your community still matters even when the system feels stacked against you. Matt also shares his concept of being"like-hearted" instead of like-minded, and honestly, we may be obsessed with it.

We also discuss the growing effort to recall Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill, why supporters say Louisiana deserves better, and how everyday people are organizing to push back.

Learn more and get involved:

• Matt Gromlich for Congress: mattgromlich.com

• Louisiana recall effort: louisianadeservesbetter.com

• Beyond Resistance: beyondresistancepod.com

If you enjoy smart conversations, grassroots organizing, democracy nerdery, and the occasional bout of existential screaming into the political void, this episode is for you.

Subscribe, leave a review, and join the resistance. 💙

@MattGromlichForCongress @LAHouseDemCaucus @YoungDemocratsofLouisiana

Grab your favorite beverage and settle in because this episode is equal parts political road trip, rally recap, and spirited reality check. Jennifer and Sarah unpack their two-hour trek across Michigan to attend an Abdul El-Sayed rally featuring Bernie Sanders and AOC, and spoiler alert: it delivered big main-character energy.

The conversation dives into the electric atmosphere of the event, why excitement matters in politics, and how hope can be a powerful organizing tool. Along the way, they swap war stories from political rallies past, including freezing factories, sweltering hangars, and the universal lesson that a guaranteed seat is truly the VIP experience.

The hosts also explore bigger questions shaping Michigan's Senate primary: grassroots vs. establishment politics, corporate money vs. small-dollar donors, and why so many voters are ready to shake up the status quo. They discuss electability, generational change, political enthusiasm, and the challenge of bringing new voices into the democratic process.

And because it wouldn't be politics in 2026 without some wildly questionable campaign ads, Jennifer and Sarah break down the latest attack ads, media messaging, and why they think voters should always look beyond the headline before making up their minds.

In this episode:

• Rally vibes, road trip stories, and political fandom

• Why enthusiasm might be politics' secret sauce

• Grassroots organizing vs. big-money influence

• Getting younger voters engaged

• Campaign ads that made the hosts want to throw a remote

• A reminder to think critically, ask questions, and make a plan to vote

Politics can be messy, but this conversation is proof that hope, humor, and a little healthy skepticism are still in the fight. 🎙️🔥

For more on Beyond Resistance: beyondresistancepod.com

To check out Abdul El-Sayed (Politically. Those biceps are married.): abdulforsenate.com

@abdulelsayed

#Michigan #AbdulForSenate #USSenate #Grassroots

What happens when a Twitch karaoke performer, lifelong Christian, and accidental political content creator decide they’ve had enough of the chaos and start a podcast? You get Mike Winson, host of Breaking the Meta, and one heck of a conversation.

This week, Sarah and Jennifer sit down with Mike to talk about the lost art of actually talking to each other. From empathy and curiosity to the dangers of fear-based politics, they dig into why America feels stuck in debate mode when what we really need is conversation mode.

Mike shares his wild journey from singing in onesies on Twitch to interviewing candidates across the country and creating space for meaningful discussions about politics, community, and democracy. Along the way, the trio tackles everything from rural organizing and voter engagement to why so many people feel abandoned by the political system.

They also explore:

• Why conversation requires a willingness to be wrong

• The importance of meeting people where they are

• Building Democratic power in rural and red communities

• The difference between debating and actually listening

• What podcasters owe their audiences in an era of hot takes and outrage clicks

Plus, things get delightfully nerdy when the hosts swap dream podcast guests, ranging from AOC to long-lost family members, proving that even political podcasters can have a little fun.

Learn More 🎙️ Follow Breaking the Meta on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts. Just search "Breaking the Meta."

🎙️ To learn more about Beyond Resistance, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and follow us on social media for more conversations about building blue power in red communities and, most importantly, learning how to start winning.

🚪 What happens when you make a plan to knock on 5,000 doors in one of Michigan’s reddest districts and actually listen to people? This week on Beyond Resistance, Jennifer and Sarah sit down with Brian Irizarry—Marine veteran, teacher, former mayor, city council member, and Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 110th State House District—to find out.

Brian shares what it’s really like campaigning in the rural Upper Peninsula, where many voters say no one from either party has bothered to show up at their door in years. From fighting to restore emergency healthcare access to advocating for public schools and building trust one conversation at a time, Brian makes the case that winning back rural communities starts with showing up and treating people like neighbors—not voting statistics.

The conversation dives into the challenges of running as a Democrat in a deeply red district, why local candidates need more support, and how investing in rural communities today can create electoral wins tomorrow. Plus, the trio tackles the important issues—like National Tuna Noodle Casserole Day, giant kite festivals, and why every community deserves someone willing to fight for them. 🪁😂

If you're interested in building blue power in places that conventional wisdom says are unwinnable, this episode is packed with practical insights, optimism, and a healthy dose of UP grit.

Learn More

🎙️ Beyond Resistance Podcast

Website: https://www.beyondresistancepod.com

🗳️ Brian Irizarry for Michigan House (110th District)

Website: https://www.voteirizarry.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrianIrizarry

Because democracy doesn't happen from a couch—it happens on front porches, at city council meetings, and sometimes over a plate of tuna noodle casserole. 😉

#RuralOrganizing #Grassroots #Democracy

(CONTENT WARNING: This show discusses sexual assault and victim blaming)

Today on Beyond Resistance, Jennifer and Sarah come in spicy—and honestly, who can blame them?

The conversation kicks off with the latest controversy surrounding Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner and quickly evolves into a bigger discussion about politics, accountability, rape culture, and what happens when supporters put candidates on a pedestal instead of evaluating them like actual humans. Jennifer delivers a passionate take on why allegations of sexual assault can't be dismissed with tired victim-blaming questions, while Sarah explores how political fandom can make people cling to candidates long after the red flags start waving like they're directing traffic at an airport.

The hosts also dive into the dangers of purity politics and black-and-white thinking. Can people learn and grow? When do past mistakes become disqualifying? And why does social media seem determined to turn every political discussion into the world's least-fun pop quiz? Expect thoughtful reflections, a few uncomfortable truths, and at least one moment where everyone gets called out equally.

Then, because this is Beyond Resistance, the conversation pivots from political drama to practical organizing lessons. Specifically: know the rules. Whether you're dealing with candidate replacements, city council meetings, school board battles, redistricting fights, recounts, or convention procedures that make Robert's Rules of Order feel like a punishment devised by ancient bureaucrats, understanding the rules can be a powerful tool for creating change.

Along the way, you'll hear stories of grassroots organizing victories, political hacks that are completely legal (the best kind), and why assuming the rules are more restrictive than they actually are can cost your movement real power.

If you've ever wondered how movements win, why candidates implode, or how to effectively use your two minutes at a public meeting, this episode has something for you.

Hot takes, organizing nerdiness, and a surprising amount of discussion about rules. Classic Beyond Resistance. 🎙️🔥📋

For more on Beyond Resistance and their Blueprint for Building Blue Power: beyondresistancepod.com

#Platner #Maine #Strategy

This week on Beyond Resistance, Sarah and Jennifer are bringing the vibes, the stories, and maybe a few fish-in-the-basement flashbacks.

They kick things off by talking about the growing wave of progressive wins around the country and what those victories might mean for the future of Democratic politics. The big takeaway? Voters aren't just looking for a party label anymore—they want fighters, vision, and candidates who actually show up.

The conversation then shifts to one of Michigan's hottest political topics: AI, data centers, and who should benefit from the technology revolution. Sarah shares why she's fired up about Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's approach to AI regulation—one that balances innovation, environmental responsibility, and making sure communities, not just billionaires, reap the rewards.

But the heart of this episode is all about storytelling.

Why do some messages stick while others fade away? Sarah and Jennifer explore how real stories—from campaign trails, front porches, floods, and everyday life—have the power to change minds, build empathy, and move people to action. From conversations with skeptical voters to personal experiences with public assistance and disaster recovery, they show how storytelling turns political talking points into human connection.

If you're a candidate, activist, organizer, or just someone trying to make a difference, this episode is your reminder: facts matter, but stories are what people remember.

And yes, you'll hear about a MAGA voter, a collapsing fair booth roof, and fish swimming in a flooded basement. Politics is weird sometimes.

For more information about Brian Irizarry:

https://www.brianirizarry.com

For more information about Beyond Resistance:

https://www.beyondresistancepod.com

This week, Jennifer and Sarah take a ride through Democratic strategy, primary-season drama, and why Jennifer has officially reached her Hunter Biden saturation point. From hot takes on New York’s political shakeups to a passionate plea for Democrats to stop helping Republicans do their messaging for them, this episode is equal parts organizing wisdom and friendly ranting.

Highlights include:

• Why authenticity beats focus groups every time.

• The danger of treating one candidate as the face of an entire movement.

• Abdul El-Sayed’s Michigan-flavored campaign strategy (yes, water-skiing counts as political analysis now).

• How purity politics can accidentally sabotage progress.

• Why healthy primaries can strengthen a party instead of tearing it apart.

• The difference between being right and being strategic. (Spoiler: winning requires both.)

The heart of this episode is cathedral building—doing work today for victories that may not arrive tomorrow, next year, or even in your political lifetime. Jennifer and Sarah explore the idea that real change happens when people commit to building something bigger than themselves, election cycle after election cycle.

And yes, they reference two Broadway favorites that capture this spirit:

• “Keep Marching” from Suffs

• “The Story of Tonight” and “The Schuyler Sisters” (which includes the famous theme about planting seeds in a garden you never get to see) from Hamilton

Check them out becasue these songs beautifully capture the episode’s core message: sometimes the most important work is building a future you may never personally see.

Bottom line: Think long-term. Build relationships. Run candidates. Stay strategic. Stop doom-scrolling. Start cathedral-building. 🏗️🎧

For the Blueprint and more on Beyond Resistance: beyondresistancepod.com

What if the secret to saving democracy isn't another viral tweet, campaign ad, or hot take—but a conversation on a front porch?

This week on Beyond Resistance, Jennifer and Sarah sit down with Chloe Maxmin—former Maine state senator, co-founder of Dirt Road Organizing, and co-author of Dirt Road Revival: How to Rebuild Rural Politics and Why Our Future Depends on It. Chloe shares why she left elected office, how burnout led her back to organizing, and why rural communities may hold the key to building a stronger, more representative democracy.

The conversation dives into deep canvassing, relationship-based organizing, and why treating voters like human beings instead of spreadsheet cells might actually work (wild concept, we know). Chloe explains why values matter more than party labels, why trust is built one conversation at a time, and why the future of progressive power runs straight through rural America.

Plus: childhood adventures, lake stories, grass-root eating (literally), and proof that some of the best political lessons come from talking—not shouting.

Learn more:

🌱 Dirt Road Organizing: dirtroadorganizing.org

❤️‍🔥 Beyond Resistance: beyondresistancepod.com

🎒 Homework Assignment

If this episode lit a fire under you, here's your assignment:

📝 Read Dirt Road Revival by Chloe Maxmin and Canyon Woodward

📝 Add to your reading list:

📘 The Left Behind by Robert Wuthnow

📕 The Politics of Resentment by Katherine Cramer

📝 Have one real conversation with someone whose politics are different from yours.

📝 Don't start with politics. Start with life. Ask about their family, their community, their garden, their worries, or what they're streaming right now.

📝 Listen longer than you talk.

Because democracy isn't built by winning arguments. It's built by building relationships. 🌻🚪☕