In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, Brittany Black joins host Michelle to discuss her candidacy for Texas House District 61 and the issues shaping her campaign. With a background in software engineering and a powerful personal journey as a survivor, Brittany shares what motivated her to enter public service and advocate for meaningful change.

The conversation explores the current challenges facing Texas public schools, the impact of recent state legislation on education, and why community engagement and voter participation are critical in local elections. Brittany also discusses her commitment to women’s rights, education reform, and holding elected officials accountable

If you care about Texas politics, public education funding, women’s advocacy, or increasing voter turnout, this episode offers insight into what’s at stake in Texas House District 61.

What We're Talking About...

1. Brittany Black is running for Texas House District 61, outlining her platform and priorities for voters in North Texas.
2. Collin County’s electorate is becoming more politically engaged, signaling potential shifts in local and state election outcomes.
3. Recent Texas legislation has major implications for women’s rights, impacting healthcare access, personal freedoms, and legal protections.
4. Public education in Texas is critical for community development and workforce readiness, especially in rapidly growing districts.
5. School funding cuts in Texas are contributing to campus closures and strain on public school systems statewide.
6. Voter engagement and turnout are essential for strengthening democratic participation in Texas local and state elections.
7. Texas taxation policy is more complex than it appears, affecting homeowners, public services, and education funding.
8. Brittany Black’s personal experiences as a survivor shape her advocacy for women’s rights and education reform.
9. The current political climate in Texas presents new challenges and risks for state-level candidates.
10. Government accountability and transparency are necessary for a functioning democracy and responsible state leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:38 Political Landscape in Collin County

05:28 Motivation to Run for Office

07:44 The Importance of Education

10:48 Challenges Facing Public Schools

13:19 Funding Issues and Legislative Priorities

15:57 Personal Journey into Politics

18:51 Concerns About Political Climate

21:41 Conclusion and Call to Action

Links Mentioned

Brittany Black's Linktree: linktr.ee/BrittanyForTexas

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac interviews Elizabeth Dempsey Beggs, Democratic congressional candidate for Virginia’s 1st District. A former U.S. Army tank commander and foster parent, Elizabeth shares how her military service and personal experiences shaped her decision to run for Congress.

The conversation explores key issues impacting voters in Virginia, including political accountability, the influence of money in politics, and the need for grassroots-driven campaigns. Elizabeth discusses her commitment to small-dollar donations, community engagement, and restoring trust in government leadership.

They also dive into the realities of parenting and public service in today’s political climate, highlighting how family, service, and civic responsibility intersect in her campaign platform.

What We're Talking About...

1. Elizabeth Dempsey Beggs is a former U.S. Army tank commander, mother of four, and Democratic candidate for Congress in Virginia’s 1st District.
2. Her decision to run for Congress was driven by her military service, foster parenting experience, and lived understanding of community needs.
3. She believes political accountability and ethical leadership are essential to restoring trust in government.
4. Elizabeth advocates for campaign finance reform, arguing that the influence of big money in politics undermines everyday Americans.
5. She explains how money in politics directly impacts public policy and community welfare in Virginia and across the country.
6. As a foster parent, she views foster care as a commitment to providing stability, support, and strong community networks for children and families.
7. She discusses the challenges of parenting during political and social turmoil while remaining civically engaged.
8. Her family motto, “build a longer table, not a higher fence,” reflects her approach to inclusive leadership and community-building.
9. Elizabeth emphasizes grassroots organizing, voter engagement, and local outreach as key drivers of political change.
10. Her congressional campaign is powered by small-dollar donations and community-based support rather than corporate PAC funding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Elizabeth Dempsey Beggs

03:58 Fostering and Parenting Challenges

07:12 Military Journey and Transition to Civilian Life

11:07 Motivation to Run for Congress

12:53 Accountability in Politics

16:01 The Importance of Following the Money

19:07 Parenting in a Troubling World

22:22 Community and Political Engagement

25:12 Family Dynamics and Support

31:14 Balancing Politics and Parenthood

38:13 The Journey to Congress: Elizabeth's Story

38:42 The Importance of Civic Engagement

Links Mentioned

Elizabeth Dempsey Beggs's campaign website: http://www.elizabethforvirginia.com

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Blake Bracht, a young attorney and Democratic candidate running for Congress in Arizona’s 5th District. Blake shares what motivated him to enter the race and how becoming a parent shaped his decision to run for public office. The conversation explores key issues facing working families today, including the rising cost of healthcare, childcare, and housing, and why these affordability challenges demand urgent, common-sense policy solutions.

Blake also discusses the importance of increasing youth representation in government, bringing fresh perspectives to Congress, and restoring trust in the political system. Drawing on his background as an attorney, he examines the current state of the U.S. justice system and explains how legal precedent influences lawmaking and policy decisions. This episode offers an insightful look at a new generation of leadership and the issues shaping the future of American politics.

What We're Talking About...

• Blake Bracht is a young attorney running for Congress in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District.
• Blake emphasizes the need for younger representation in U.S. politics and Congress.
• The campaign centers on affordability issues, including healthcare, childcare, and housing costs.
• Becoming a parent motivated Blake to advocate more strongly for family rights and future-focused policies.
• Homeownership is highlighted as a key pathway to building generational wealth in America.
• Blake discusses how shifts in legal precedent are impacting the U.S. justice system and eroding public trust.
• He encourages everyday people to run for public office, even without traditional political experience.
• Grassroots organizing is presented as essential for meaningful political and electoral change.
• The episode explores growing public support for universal healthcare in the United States.
• Blake’s campaign promotes common-sense, bipartisan solutions aimed at bridging political divides.

Chapters

00:00 Blake Bracht Introduction and Background

02:53 Motivation to Run for Congress

07:32 Key Issues Facing Young Families

13:35 Healthcare and Affordability Challenges

19:16 Personal Impact of Fatherhood on Political Views

22:02 Concerns About the Justice System

28:06 The Fast-Paced Legal Landscape

29:13 Conclusion and Call to Action

30:28 The Shared Struggles of Our Community

30:58 Understanding the Costs of Parenthood and Homeownership

Links Mentioned

Blake Bracht's campaign website: http://brachtforcongress.com

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Gretel Enck, a Democratic candidate for Congress in Texas’s 23rd Congressional District. Gretel shares her background with the National Park Service and how her work serving diverse and often marginalized communities shaped her decision to run for office. The conversation explores her commitment to community engagement, immigration reform, and bridging political divides through empathy and dialogue. Gretel discusses the importance of recognizing the humanity in every person and outlines her vision for a more inclusive, compassionate America.

What We're Talking About...

1. Congressional candidate Gretel Enck underscores the importance of community, empathy, and humanity in modern American politics.
2. Her experience working with the National Park Service shaped her approach to public service and community leadership.
3. Government budget cuts have had lasting impacts on national parks, public lands, and essential services.
4. Gretel is focused on bridging political divides and engaging with constituents across the political spectrum.
5. She emphasizes recognizing the dignity and humanity of all individuals, regardless of political beliefs.
6. Immigration reform is deeply personal for Gretel, as she comes from a family of immigrants.
7. The language and rhetoric surrounding immigration policy have real, human consequences for families and communities.
8. Gretel discusses her work with the Blackwell School Alliance and the importance of preserving marginalized histories.
9. She advocates for greater recognition of Hispanic and Latino contributions to American history and culture.
10. Gretel’s congressional campaign is rooted in a commitment to social justice, civil rights, and human rights.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gretel Enck and Her District

04:10 Gretel's Background and Early Retirement

07:15 The Impact of National Park Service Cuts

10:17 Bridging Political Divides

13:27 Community Engagement and Historical Preservation

16:02 The Importance of Immigration and Border Issues

19:14 The Human Experience Behind Immigration Policies

22:15 The Role of Humanity in Politics

25:24 Cultural Identity and Immigration History

28:17 Gretel's Vision for the Future

31:14 Conclusion and Call to Action

34:38 Embracing Humanity and Diversity

35:07 The Importance of Community Engagement

Links Mentioned

Gretel Enck's campaign website: http://www.gretelforcongress.com

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Ethan Wechtaluk, a congressional candidate in Maryland’s 6th District and a survivor of the Virginia Tech shooting. Ethan shares how surviving a mass shooting shaped his political awakening and motivated his run for Congress. The conversation explores the role of lived experience in leadership, the urgent need for healthcare reform, and why stronger, more compassionate political representation matters. Ethan also discusses community resilience, the responsibility of privileged voices to advocate for marginalized communities, and how policy can empower future generations to dream bigger and build a more just future.

What We're Talking About...

• Ethan Wechtaluk is a congressional candidate running in Maryland’s 6th District.
• As a Virginia Tech shooting survivor, Ethan’s lived experience strongly informs his political values and leadership approach.
• The episode challenges the political status quo and calls for meaningful systemic change.
• Healthcare reform is a central pillar of Ethan’s campaign and policy priorities.
• He supports responsible gun ownership alongside common-sense gun safety laws.
• Community engagement and grassroots organizing are essential for driving political change.
• Ethan’s decision to run for Congress was motivated by protecting family, friends, and future generations.
• He believes political leadership should focus on empowering young people to dream bigger and demand better.
• Privilege carries a responsibility to advocate for marginalized and underrepresented communities.
• The conversation emphasizes that change is possible—and urgently needed—in American politics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ethan Wechtaluk

03:10 Challenging the Status Quo in Politics

06:02 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Political Views

12:01 Healthcare as a Central Issue

17:20 The Journey to Running for Office

23:05 Empowering Future Generations

27:00 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

30:30 The Impact of Parenting on Political Awareness

31:00 Using Privilege for Positive Change

Links Mentioned

Ethan Wechtaluk's campaign website: https://www.ethanformd.com

In this special bonus episode of Beyond The Campaign, Senator Richard Blumenthal addresses a leaked whistleblower memo exposing ICE policies that threaten fundamental constitutional protections, including the Fourth Amendment. He explains why these practices mark a dangerous escalation of government power and why every American—not just immigrant communities—should be paying attention. Blumenthal calls for immediate public scrutiny, legal accountability, and civic action, making clear that protecting civil liberties requires an informed public willing to push back before these abuses become normalized.

What We're Talking About...

1. Americans should be afraid of the secret ICE policy.
2. The memo reveals a violation of the Fourth Amendment.
3. Disclosure and transparency are crucial for accountability.
4. Public safety is at risk with these policies.
5. Community activism is essential in response to government actions.
6. Legal action is necessary to challenge ICE's practices.
7. Citizens must educate themselves about administrative warrants.
8. Representatives should be pressured to impose safeguards.
9. The situation reflects a broader issue of government overreach.
10. Every voice can create a ripple effect for change.

Chapters

00:00 The Alarming Whistleblower Memo

02:51 Legal and Constitutional Implications

05:39 Public Response and Accountability

08:12 The Role of Community and Activism

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, Tessa Lynn Hodge discusses her transition from licensed clinical social worker to Democratic congressional candidate in California’s 23rd District. Tessa shares insights into what it takes to run for Congress in one of the largest and most geographically diverse districts in the state, including the logistical challenges of campaigning and the importance of deeply understanding the communities you aim to represent.

Throughout the conversation, Tessa emphasizes the urgent need for effective political representation and outlines her policy priorities, including healthcare accessibility, food insecurity, and addressing systemic inequities impacting working families. She also reflects on how her professional background in social work and her personal experiences have shaped her approach to leadership and public service. Listeners will gain a behind-the-scenes look at grassroots campaigning, team building, and the motivations driving a new generation of candidates to seek meaningful change in American politics.

What We're Talking About...

• Tessa Lynn Hodge’s background as a licensed clinical social worker directly shapes her approach to public service and congressional campaigning.
• Understanding district geography is essential when running for Congress, especially in California’s large and diverse 23rd District.
• Healthcare accessibility remains a critical issue in rural and underserved communities across the district.
• Building a strong, values-driven campaign team is key to running an effective grassroots campaign.
• Personal and professional experiences motivate Tessa’s commitment to systemic change and political reform.
• Food insecurity continues to impact working families and rural populations within the district.
• Community engagement and listening to constituents are vital for meaningful political representation.
• Tessa’s family background informs her understanding of local economic and social challenges.
• Proposition 50 plays a significant role in shaping campaign strategy and voter education efforts.
• Campaign funding remains one of the biggest challenges for first-time and grassroots congressional candidates.

Chapters

00:00 Tessa Lynn Hodge's Introduction and Background

02:41 Transition from Social Work to Politics

05:20 Campaigning in a Large District

08:08 Building a Supportive Team

11:03 Impact of Prop 50 on Campaign Strategy

13:35 Connecting with Rural Communities

16:17 Personal Background and Motivation

18:59 Healthcare Accessibility Issues

21:49 Addressing Food Insecurity

24:39 Support from Family and Community

27:10 Campaign Needs and Closing Remarks

Links Mentioned

Tessa Lynn Hodge's campaign website: http://tessaforca.com

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Salaam Bhatti, a public interest attorney and Democratic candidate for Congress in Virginia’s First Congressional District. Bhatti shares his personal journey into public service and explains why voter engagement and grassroots organizing are critical to the future of the Democratic Party.

The conversation explores the growing affordability crisis facing working families, the influence of corporate money in politics, and the urgent need for progressive policies such as Medicare for All. Bhatti also discusses how new media and podcasts are reshaping political campaigns by helping candidates connect directly with voters outside traditional political channels.

This episode offers insight into congressional campaigns, progressive policy priorities, and the challenges facing democracy in today’s political landscape.

What We're Talking About...

• Salaam Bhatti is a public interest attorney and Democratic candidate for Congress in Virginia’s First Congressional District.
• Strong voter engagement and grassroots participation are essential to a healthy democracy.
• Poverty in the United States is a policy choice and can be addressed through intentional legislative action.
• Medicare for All is a central pillar of Bhatti’s progressive policy platform.
• The Democratic Party must articulate a clearer, more values-driven vision to energize voters.
• Family dynamics and personal relationships play a meaningful role in political campaigns.
• The affordability crisis—including housing, healthcare, and cost of living—is the most urgent issue facing Americans today.
• The current political moment represents a potential turning point for systemic change.
• Campaign finance reform is critical to reducing corporate influence in politics.
• New media and digital platforms are transforming how political candidates connect directly with voters.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Salaam Bhatti

04:12 Personal Experiences Shaping Political Views

07:04 The Importance of Progressive Policies

10:01 Engagement in the Political Process

13:05 Family Dynamics and Political Aspirations

16:02 The Role of Children in Political Awareness

19:14 Addressing the Affordability Crisis

21:58 The Revolutionary Moment in Politics

25:10 Campaign Financing and Corporate Influence

27:57 Voter Education and Engagement

31:12 Conclusion and Call to Action

31:27 Understanding Political Representation

31:55 Engaging with Local Leaders

Links Mentioned

Salaam Bhatti's Link Tree: linktr.ee/salaambhattiva

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Nathan Sage, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Iowa, to discuss his journey from growing up in poverty to serving in the military and entering national politics. Nathan shares how his working-class background and military experience shape his commitment to authentic representation for everyday Americans.

The conversation explores the challenges facing veterans, the importance of family and personal values in political leadership, and why working-class voices are often excluded from political spaces. Nathan emphasizes the need for real, honest conversations across political divides and the power of listening to people’s lived experiences.

Throughout the episode, Nathan advocates for increased political engagement from everyday people and calls for leaders who will fight for the rights of women, veterans, and marginalized communities. This episode offers an honest look at grassroots politics, representation, and what it means to run for office with integrity.

What We're Talking About...

• The importance of authentic political representation for working-class Americans in U.S. politics
• Nathan Sage’s journey from poverty to military service to U.S. Senate candidate, highlighting lived experience in leadership
• Why veterans need stronger government support, resources, and advocacy
• The role of family values in political leadership and motivation to run for office
• How personal stories drive political engagement and voter connection
• The need for real conversations about everyday life, not just partisan talking points
• Why listening to people’s struggles matters in creating effective public policy
• Advocating for working-class rights and economic fairness at the federal level
• A shift toward more authentic, grassroots leadership in modern political campaigns
• The power of community engagement and grassroots organizing in building political change

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nathan Sage

01:23 The Journey to Politics

05:46 Veterans and Their Treatment

10:39 Fatherhood and Political Responsibility

14:38 Personal Experiences with Reproductive Rights

19:14 The Importance of Authentic Conversations

24:01 Bridging Political Divides

29:19 Conclusion and Call to Action

30:39 The Importance of Authentic Leadership

31:08 Building Community Through Storytelling

Links Mentioned

Nathan Sage's campaign website: https://www.sageforsenate.com

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with civil rights lawyer and California Lieutenant Governor candidate Oliver Ma for an in-depth conversation about immigration, social justice, and grassroots political leadership. Oliver shares his personal journey as an immigrant and how it shaped his commitment to civil rights, equity, and community-driven change across California.

The discussion explores urgent issues facing the state, including the housing crisis, immigrant rights, and the role of the Lieutenant Governor in advancing progressive policy. Oliver offers powerful personal stories that reveal the real-world impact of immigration laws and explains why community involvement and advocacy are essential to creating lasting change. This episode highlights what a people-powered campaign looks like—and why fighting for justice and opportunity matters now more than ever.

What We're Talking About...

• Oliver Ma is a civil rights lawyer, immigrant advocate, and candidate for California Lieutenant Governor.
• His campaign focuses on building a California that works for working families and everyday people.
• Oliver is running a grassroots, people-powered campaign funded by small donors—not corporations.
• California’s housing crisis is being driven by rising costs and the influence of corporate landlords.
• Immigrant families are frequently targeted by harmful policies and need stronger legal protections.
• The for-profit immigration detention system is corrupt, exploitative, and causes lasting harm.
• California has the power to block state resources from supporting immigration detention centers.
• Social justice, equity, and civil rights are at the core of Oliver Ma’s platform.
• Community organizing and civic engagement are essential for meaningful political change.
• Oliver’s campaign prioritizes training volunteers to create long-term, sustainable impact.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Oliver's Journey

02:37 Running for Lieutenant Governor: A Mission for the People

04:36 The Impact of Rapid Response Teams

10:08 Personal Experiences as an Immigrant

13:21 California's Challenges and Opportunities

17:38 Core Issues: Housing, Immigration, and Social Justice

21:31 The Role of California in Federal Policies

24:29 Community Engagement and Volunteerism

29:31 Empowering Immigrants: A Call to Action

30:01 The Importance of Voting and Civic Engagement

Links Mentioned

Oliver Ma's campaign website: oliverma2026.com

Oliver Ma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliverforca/#