Beyond Resistance Pod

What does it take to protect democracy, modernize government, and stand tall when voting rights are under attack?

Sarah and Jennifer welcome Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist for a conversation that jumps from election security to tech nerd truth, with plenty of laughs and real talk along the way.

Garlin breaks down why the Michigan Secretary of State office is suddenly the main character in the fight for voting rights, election security, and data privacy—and why having an actual software engineer in the role matters when everyone (looking at you, Big Tech) wants their hands on our personal information.

You’ll hear why democracy doesn’t survive on autopilot, how local election officials are the real MVPs, and what it means to “stand tall” when intimidation, misinformation, and power grabs come knocking.

But don’t worry—this isn’t all doom and gloom. We also get:

• Twin parent solidarity moments 🍼🍼

• Why showing up in every Michigan county matters

• Favorite Michigan getaways (ice that chirps?! sunsets that stop time? yes please)

• A little Marvel energy and a lot of heart

This episode is equal parts serious stakes and joyful humanity—because building power, protecting democracy, and fixing broken systems doesn’t mean we can’t laugh while doing it.

🎧 Tune in and get inspired to move beyond resistance—toward action, connection, and a future that includes everyone.

For more about Beyond Resistance and to download our Blueprint: 5 Steps for Building Blue Power, visit our website: beyondresistancepod.com

To learn more about Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and his campaign for MI Secretary of State, visit: garlingilchrist.com

#podcast #Michigan #ElectionsMatter

What does it take to actually change the status quo—and not just talk about it?

In this episode of Beyond Resistance, hosts Sarah Schulz and Jennifer Austin sit down with Michael White, U.S. Army veteran, longtime union member, educator, and candidate for Michigan State Senate (District 15). From Ypsilanti to Ann Arbor and beyond, Michael breaks down why this moment demands new leadership—and backs it up with data. We dig into the hard truths facing Washtenaw County, including jaw dropping stats on income inequality and economic segregation, and why “business as usual” simply isn’t working. Michael shares what motivated him to run for office (again), why primaries should be about choice, not chaos, and how service—not ego—should be the foundation of public office.

You’ll hear:

🔥 Why Washtenaw County ranks last in Michigan for income inequality

🔥 What real “change the guard” leadership looks like

🔥 How unions, military service, and community work shape policy priorities

🔥 A refreshing take on respectful primaries and coalition building

🔥 A fun, human moment about childhood dreams (yes, really)

This conversation is grounded, insightful, and unapologetically focused on people—not politics as usual. Whether you’re a data nerd, a grassroots organizer, or just someone tired of the same old playbook, this episode is for you.

👉 Listen. Learn. Get fired up.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations building blue power in red communities.

You can find this episode and more on our website or wherever you get your podcasts!

#CommunityConversation #LocalPolitics #IncomeInequality

🚨 New Episode: Beyond Resistance Podcast 🚨

What actually turns awareness into action? And why is “performative” activism not the insult people think it is?

In this episode, hosts Sarah Schulz and Jennifer Austin dig into how movements really grow—starting with the small, imperfect first steps people take when they’re waking up politically. From pink hats to protest signs, they break down why gateway actions matter and how calling people in (not out) is how you build real power.

Then they’re joined by Barb Byrum, Ingham County Clerk, former Michigan state representative, longtime election administrator, and current Democratic candidate for MI Secretary of State for a wide ranging, refreshingly real conversation. Barb pulls back the curtain on how elections actually work, why local clerks are the unsung heroes of democracy, and how misinformation spreads—and gets stopped. She also talks about using social media to educate (with facts and humor), standing up to election denialism, and what it means to “cause good trouble” without losing your humanity.

You’ll hear stories from the front lines of election administration, sharp takes on activism culture, and plenty of laughs along the way—including a lightning round chat about first jobs that somehow makes everything feel very on brand.

Smart, honest, and zero fluff—this episode is for anyone who wants to understand how change actually happens and why every step forward counts.

🎧 Listen, learn, and level up.

Find more episodes on your favorite podcast platform, or at beyondresistancepod.com.

To learn more about Barb Byrum and her campaign for MI Secretary of State visit barbbyrum.com.

#LocalElections #Michigan #ElectionIntegrity

🔥 Soccer Moms, Mutual Aid, and Building Power Without Permission 🔥

This episode of Beyond Resistance is fueled by rage, laughter, and some seriously effective organizing.

Sarah Schultz and Jennifer Austin kick things off fired up about women—especially the so‑called “soccer moms” who keep getting underestimated while quietly running protests, food trains, mutual aid networks, and entire communities. Spoiler alert: no one’s getting paid, no shadowy cabals required—just deeply competent people pivoting existing networks and getting stuff done.

From pandemic-era mutual aid to today’s grassroots resistance, this convo pulls back the curtain on how “overnight movements” are actually built: relationships, group chats, Facebook pages, and people who refuse to sit still when their neighbors need help. It’s organizing without permission, and it works.

Then, the pod welcomes Nikki Porcher, a powerhouse out of Georgia who somehow manages to be all of the following: Air Force veteran, former public school teacher, nonprofit founder, podcaster, single mom, and Democratic candidate for Georgia Labor Commissioner. Nikki breaks down what a Labor Commissioner actually does (hint: it matters a LOT), why Georgia is more politically flippable than you think, and how community—not consultants—is the real engine of change.

If you’ve ever felt like the only blue dot in a red place, this episode is for you. It’s funny, honest, occasionally unhinged (in the best way), and packed with real-world lessons on how people—especially women—are building power, together.

🎧 Hit play. Get fired up. Then go do something.

Find this episode and more on our website and wherever you get your podcasts: beyondresistancepod.com

To learn more about Nikki Porcher visit: voteporcher4ga.com

What happens when you refuse to give up on democracy—and decide to be a good neighbor instead?

In this episode of Beyond Resistance, hosts Sarah Schulz and Jennifer Austin sit down with Congresswoman Sarah McBride for a wide ranging, soul stirring conversation about hope, coalition building, and what it actually takes to win in this moment. Fresh off a powerful exchange, Sarah McBride drops wisdom after wisdom on why outrage can’t be the end of the conversation—and why curiosity, grace, and bold policy can coexist.

From breaking down “dunk culture” and algorithm fueled anger to making the case for paid family leave, higher wages, and universal healthcare, this episode is a masterclass in meeting people where they are without shrinking your values. McBride makes a compelling case that democracy only works when we believe people can change—and when we prove that government can deliver.

You’ll hear:

• Why democracy is rooted in faith in one another

• How to build winning coalitions in red (and very online) places

• What “being a good neighbor” really looks like in polarized times

• Why hope isn’t naive—it’s necessary

• Plus: cozy winter vibes, soup season, and a little reality TV 🧣🍲📺

If you’re exhausted, discouraged, or wondering how we move forward from here—this conversation will leave you fired up, grounded, and ready to build that blue power.

🎧 Press play. Hope required.

Find this episode and more on our website or wherever you get your podcasts!

@CongresswomanSarahMcBride

Beyond Resistance Pod drops you straight into the living room energy chaos of two politically savvy women—Sarah Schulz and Jennifer Austin—who show up every week with receipts, rants, heart, humor, and a rotating cast of badass guests.

In these episodes, you’ll hear Sarah and Jennifer kick things off with their signature Fired Up segment, swapping what’s keeping them up at night—from community trauma to viral videos to the nonstop stress of living in a country that feels like it’s permanently in crisis mode. Then Jennifer flips the script with the things that spark hope: new candidates stepping up, crowded primaries where there used to be none, and the thrill of watching “regular” people transform into real contenders.

The Kali Scales interview is classic Beyond Resistance energy: candid, funny, emotional, and deeply human. Kali—writer, performer, storyteller, former Esports radio host, and State House candidate—opens up about her transition, growing up blue collar, reclaiming patriotism, fighting “for all,” and why storytelling might be the most underrated political skill of our time. The trio dives into cognitive dissonance, tribalism, inequity, extinction bursts, and the chaos of modern America—all while laughing, roasting, and keeping it real.

They nerd out about Dungeons & Dragons. They talk unions, autonomy, inclusivity, and chili recipes. They unpack burnout, build community, and remind listeners that resistance looks like activism and living your life.

It’s smart. It’s messy. It’s real. It’s the pod you turn to when everything feels like too much—and you need people who get it.

Find this episode and more right here on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts! You can also visit our website for episodes, the Blueprint for Building Blue Power and more!

#GrassrootsOrganizing #LocalElections #Detroit

Beyond Resistance: Building Blue Power & Bold Futures

Welcome to Beyond Resistance, the unapologetically real podcast where grassroots grit meets big-picture vision. Hosted by Sarah Schulz and Jennifer Austin, we’re here to flip the script on what it means to organize, lead, and thrive in communities that feel left behind.

In this episode, we go deep with Rachel Howard—combat medic turned healthcare leader, mom of four, and now a Democratic candidate for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat. Rachel brings the receipts: 14 years of military service, a Purple Heart, and a career dedicated to veterans’ health. She’s not running to “be” something—she’s running to DO something. From navigating childcare chaos during the pandemic to calling out political stagnation, Rachel shares why integrity and lived experience matter more than polished talking points.

But that’s not all. Sarah and Jennifer kick things off with a fiery convo on collective community vs. toxic individualism, why mutual aid is more than a buzzword, and how we dismantle the “comply or die” mindset that’s poisoning our culture. Expect raw honesty, a little righteous rage, and a whole lot of hope.

If you’re tired of echo chambers and ready for conversations that challenge, connect, and inspire action—this is your space. Grab your coffee, your curiosity, and maybe a notebook. Because building blue power in red communities? It’s not just possible—it’s happening.

🎧 Listen now and join the movement beyond resistance.

Find this and all episodes on our website: beyondresistancepod.com

Download the Beyond Resistance Blueprint: 5 Steps for Building Blue Power, a free PDF to help YOU get started building blue power in your own community!

#USSenate #Michigan #Veteran

Beyond Resistance: Special Pod – The Minneapolis ICE Shooting

A U.S. citizen was shot and killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis and the shockwaves hit hard. In this urgent episode, hosts Sarah Schulz and Jennifer Austin sit down with fellow organizers Kelly Taylor and Laura Bell Phillips to unpack what happened, why it matters, and what comes next.

This isn’t just about one tragic moment—it’s about unchecked power, systemic failures, and the communities fighting back. From the raw details of the incident to the national implications, we dive deep into the reality of paramilitary-style policing and the erosion of civil rights.

If you care about justice, accountability, and building resilient communities in the face of authoritarian overreach, this conversation is for you. Tune in, get informed, and join the movement—because silence is not an option.

Welcome back, Resistance Crew! We're transforming grit into power, big feelings into bold action, and blue energy into real life momentum for local organizing right here in our red-tinted communities. Today we’re diving into a story that is equal parts heart, hustle, holy crap that’s relatable, and “wait, she did WHAT?!”

Today's guest didn’t just decide to run for office — she practically got launched into it by faith, fear, floodwaters, and a whole lot of fire. Meet Serenity Hope Salak: lifelong Michigander, mom, substitute teacher, former caseworker, professional helper of humans, and, yes, brand new Democratic candidate for Michigan Senate District 35. Serenity went from growing up in a trailer park, navigating food stamps and Medicaid, to earning degrees, surviving red tape, and doing the quiet, unglamorous work of lifting others up — one kid, one family, one hard day at a time.

And then?

Life said: “Hey, Serenity — time to level up.”

Serenity found political inspiration in community challenges like the 2020 Midland floods, the January 6th insurrection shaking foundations, a Michigan church shooting disrupting Sunday school, and a persistent inner voice that refused to be ignored saying: Good people should run for office . . . and you're a good person!

Next thing she knows, she’s filing campaign paperwork at the literal last minute, building a platform, and inspiring her daughter so much that the kid said her campaign theme song should basically be “Burn the House Down.”

Serenity isn’t here to play it safe — she’s here for democracy reform with kindness, courage, accountability, and a whole lot of “let’s freaking go.”

So buckle up, friends.

This isn’t just an interview.

It’s a spark.

Welcome back to the Beyond Resistance Pod, where your hosts Sarah and Jennifer help turn red district BLUES into red district WINS — armed with caffeine, community power, and the occasional existential scream. Today’s episode? Oh, buckle up. Because we are joined by none other than Dr. Pamela Pugh — scientist, public health expert, longtime public servant, environmental justice warrior . . . basically the Beyoncé of community problem solving (minus the singing, plus more spreadsheets).

Pam Pugh has done things most of us only Google when the group chat gets political: chemical engineering at DuPont and Dow, 14 years in environmental health, helping fix children’s living conditions, leading coalitions across business and faith communities, and yes — working at ground zero during the Flint Water Crisis. She’s seen stuff. She’s fixed stuff. She’s probably held a meeting during a crisis inside another crisis — and still managed to remain extremely polite about it.

She’s also spent a decade on the Michigan State Board of Education, which means she’s survived: curriculum debates, pandemic-schooling chaos, budget battles, and at least three thousand people shouting “I read a thing on Facebook!” in public comment. If endurance were an Olympic sport, Pam would be on that podium!

In this conversation, Pam brings the receipts on people-centered leadership, crisis decision making, and coalition building — all while staying grounded, hopeful, and laser focused on families and kids. You’ll hear stories about science, service, her parents’ fish fry traditions, and the kind of community organizing that makes you say, “Dang . . . I need to step up my life.”

Grab your headphones, your beverage of choice, and a notebook labeled “How to Be a Better Human.”

This episode? It’s that good.

@DrPamelaLPugh

#Michigan #SpecialElection #ElectionsMatter