In this episode of Beyond The Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Colonel Dr. Darren McCauley to explore his transition from a distinguished military career to running for Congress. Dr. McCauley shares the personal and professional motivations behind his political journey, emphasizing the need for respectful political discourse and the challenges facing the federal government today.

He dives into his dedication to veterans' affairs, healthcare, and public health, highlighting the role of leadership and integrity in shaping policy. Dr. McCauley also opens up about the impact of political life on his family and the strategies he uses to maintain balance while pursuing his goals.

What We're Talking About...

• Colonel Dr. Darren McCauley brings a 25-year military background to his transition into politics.
• He is motivated to run for Congress to address critical challenges facing the federal government.
• Dr. McCauley emphasizes that respect and civility in politics are essential for setting a positive example for future generations.
• He is passionate about veterans’ affairs, healthcare, and addressing neglected public health issues.
• Leadership requires integrity and the courage to be honest with constituents, even when the truth is unpopular.
• Balancing family life with a political career remains one of the most significant challenges he faces.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Colonel Dr. McCauley

01:40 Motivation to Run for Congress

05:25 The State of Disrespect in Politics

08:03 Challenges of Rebuilding Government Services

10:40 Family Dynamics and Political Aspirations

13:18 Passion for Veterans Affairs

16:45 Public Health and Leadership

20:11 The Importance of Integrity in Leadership

23:33 Balancing Life and Campaigning

Links Mentioned:

Colonel Dr. Darren McCauley's website: darrenforflorida.com

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Congressman Jimmy Panetta to unpack the realities of the ongoing government shutdown and what it means for everyday Americans. They discuss the far-reaching impact on healthcare access, SNAP benefits, and public services, while exploring the critical role of bipartisan negotiation in resolving funding challenges. Congressman Panetta also reflects on the history of American governance, the importance of civic engagement and voter participation, and why accountability and community-driven leadership are essential to restoring trust in democracy.

What We're Talking About...

• The government shutdown is disrupting essential programs like SNAP benefits and healthcare access.
• Bipartisan negotiation is key to resolving budget and funding crises.
• Community engagement and voter participation keep democracy strong.
• America’s history of protest and resilience shows the power of civic action.
• Leadership should come from the people, not just political elites.
• Accountability and transparency are crucial for effective governance.
• The current political climate demands informed, active citizens.
• Healthcare cuts will hit vulnerable communities the hardest.
• Understanding the Constitution empowers citizens to drive change.
• Collaboration and compromise are essential for good government.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of the Government Shutdown

02:51 Impact of the Government Shutdown on Healthcare

05:59 Negotiation Challenges and Political Dynamics

08:47 Community Engagement and Voter Responsibility

11:32 Historical Context and the Role of Democracy

14:44 The Importance of Representation and Accountability

17:32 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Ariella Elm, a political influencer and journalist known for bringing optimism and integrity to political storytelling. Ariella shares her journey from lifestyle content creator to trusted political voice, discussing how research, authenticity, and empathy shape her work.

Together, they explore why it’s essential to lead with hope—not fear—in today’s political climate, how to understand representation and the nuances of online political spaces, and the power of celebrating small wins in activism. Ariella also offers insight into the challenges of funding independent political work and the importance of staying grounded while creating change.

What We're Talking About...

• Ariella Elm emphasizes the importance of sharing positive and empowering political stories to inspire hope and engagement.
• She transitioned from lifestyle content to political influence during recent elections, redefining her purpose and voice.
• Research is a central part of her creative process and helps establish credibility and authenticity in political storytelling.
• Leading with hope rather than fear is essential for creating lasting and effective change.
• Small victories in politics often build momentum and lead to larger, long-term progress.
• Understanding the difference between campaign and government accounts is key to informed political participation.
• Ariella encourages individuals to take action from wherever they are, showing that meaningful change can start at home.
• The discussion explores the challenges of funding in political activism and independent media.
• Ariella’s approach stands out for its optimism, authenticity, and focus on constructive political dialogue.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Political Positivity

04:48 The Journey of a Political Influencer

09:57 Research and Content Creation in Politics

15:23 Fighting from Hope, Not Fear

20:54 Understanding Political Representation

26:12 Navigating Political Accounts and Funding

Links Mentioned

Ariella's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ariellaelm.bsky.social

Ariella's Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ariella.elm?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Ariella's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariella.elm?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Ariella's Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ariella.elm?_t=ZP-8ujxEQzWQTX&_r=1

Ariella's Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ariellaelm?si=YXLbH87jye0VqdU-

Ariella's Substack: https://substack.com/@ariellaelm

Ariella's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariellaelm?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with North Carolina Representative Jordan Lopez for a candid conversation about the high-stakes battle over gerrymandering and redistricting in the state. They unpack the impact of the proposed congressional maps, the partisan maneuvering behind them, and what’s at risk for voters heading into the next election. Representative Lopez opens up about his path into politics, the challenges of leading through division, and why protecting fair representation is essential to safeguarding democracy itself.

What We're Talking About...

• Gerrymandering is a significant issue in North Carolina.
• The upcoming vote could further skew representation in favor of Republicans.
• Fear of political repercussions influences leadership decisions.
• Voter mobilization is crucial to combat gerrymandering.
• Political dynamics are often driven by personal interests and power preservation.
• Lopez's journey into politics was fueled by community encouragement.
• The current legislative session has been notably unproductive.
• Masculinity in politics is being redefined in troubling ways.
• What happens in North Carolina can have national implications.
• Engagement from constituents is vital for democratic processes.

Chapters

00:00 Redistricting and Gerrymandering in North Carolina

11:25 Representative Jordan Lopez's Political Journey

Links Mentioned

Rep Jordan Lopez's Instagram

https://instagram.com/jordanlopez_

https://instagram.com/lopez4nc

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, Ricky Longoria — political organizer turned content creator known as @thegayliberal — opens up about his journey using digital platforms to inspire civic engagement and amplify diverse voices in politics. Ricky discusses how his work evolved from grassroots organizing to creating impactful online content that challenges misinformation and encourages youth participation in the political process.

He also shares his insights on navigating cancel culture, building authentic communities, and maintaining mental balance in the fast-paced world of social media activism. This episode is a powerful reminder that every voice matters — and that real change can start with a single post.

What We're Talking About...

• Ricky Longoria shares his journey from political organizer to digital creator
• Building community and collaboration among creators strengthens online advocacy.
• Diverse voices in politics are essential for authentic representation and lasting change.
• Youth engagement can drive meaningful impact and reshape the political landscape.
• Successful content creators adapt to the evolving media and social platforms.
• Setting healthy boundaries helps prevent burnout and sustain creativity.
• Cancel culture continues to challenge creators’ freedom of expression.
• Misinformation and conspiracy theories threaten trust in politics and media.
• Every voice — no matter the platform size — has the power to inspire change.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Ricky Longoria

02:37 The Journey into Content Creation

05:33 The Importance of Community and Collaboration

08:36 Engaging with Political Issues and Content Strategy

11:32 Youth Involvement in Politics

14:30 Navigating Content Creation and Mental Health

17:16 Setting Boundaries and Finding Balance

20:11 The Impact of Political Discourse on Society

22:53 Conspiracy Theories and Misinformation

25:45 The Role of Media in Politics

28:42 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Danyelle Christmas, candidate for New Orleans City Council, to talk about her inspiring journey into politics. Danyelle shares how her father’s wrongful conviction shaped her path toward public service and ignited her passion for justice. She opens up about the challenges working mothers face in political life, the role of education in breaking generational cycles, and why community engagement is essential for lasting change. From advocating for systemic reform to empowering the next generation of leaders, Danyelle’s vision offers a powerful blueprint for building a stronger, more equitable New Orleans.

What We're Talking About

• Danyelle’s story is shaped by her father’s wrongful conviction, inspiring her fight for justice.
• Her decision to run for New Orleans City Council is rooted in creating a better future for her children.
• Working mothers bring vital representation and perspective to politics.
• Local government plays a critical role in improving daily quality of life.
• Education and awareness are key to addressing systemic inequities.
• Community engagement is central to Danyelle’s vision for change.
• Breaking generational cycles is essential to building stronger communities.
• Empowering children to understand and participate in politics ensures future leadership.
• Danyelle's campaign tackles everyday local issues—from potholes to rising energy bills.
• Grassroots movements hold the power to drive real, lasting change.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Danyelle Christmas

04:21 Personal Motivations for Running for City Council

07:17 Challenges Faced by Families in New Orleans

10:38 The Importance of Local Politics

13:19 Quality of Life Issues in the Lower Ninth Ward

16:26 Community Awareness and Engagement

20:34 The Power of Listening and Community Engagement

21:26 The Challenges of Balancing Motherhood and Politics

25:08 The Role of Mothers in Political Spaces

26:47 Empowering the Next Generation Through Activism

30:30 Teaching Values and Breaking Generational Curses

35:17 Navigating Parenting and Societal Expectations

36:24 The Importance of Motherhood in Leadership

36:53 Empowering Moms to Engage in Local Politics

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac interviews Nichelle Henderson, candidate for California Superintendent of Public Instruction. They dive into the pressing issues shaping California’s education system, including school funding, teacher shortages, and the impact of standardized testing. Nichelle outlines her vision for reimagining public education, with a focus on supporting teachers, empowering students, and building stronger community involvement. She also shares insights on grassroots campaigning and what it takes to run for statewide office in today’s political climate.

What We're Talking About...

• Education is the foundation of our children’s future and long-term success.
• The Superintendent of Public Instruction plays a critical role in securing funding and shaping education policy.
• Local control determines how school districts allocate resources and address community needs.
• Supporting teachers is essential to retaining passionate, qualified educators.
• Students continue to face learning gaps widened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Standardized testing often fails to capture a student’s true knowledge and abilities.
• Homework should reinforce classroom learning rather than create frustration or stress.
• Strong community involvement is vital for lasting education reform.
• Nichelle Henderson’s vision centers on uniting teachers, parents, and community stakeholders.
• Grassroots campaigning has the power to spark meaningful change in public education.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Nichelle Henderson

04:31 Challenges in Education and the Role of the Superintendent

07:04 Local Control and Funding in Education

10:28 The Journey to Becoming a Teacher

13:26 Concerns of Future Teachers

16:05 Running for Office: Motivation and Goals

19:18 Reimagining Education Post-Pandemic

22:19 Standards and Assessments in Education

25:29 The Role of Parents in Education

28:12 Vision for the Future of Education

31:10 Call to Action and Support for the Campaign

39:41 Empowering Education Advocacy

40:11 Engaging with Candidates and Community

Links Mentioned

Nichelle Henderson's website: http://hendersonforcasuperintendent.org

Instagram: @henderson4casuperintendent

Facebook: Henderson for CA Superintendent

Bluesky: @‌nshlh.bsky.social

In this bonus episode, Michelle Glogovac sits down with independent journalist Aaron Parnas to examine the growing crisis around freedom of speech in America. Using recent events involving media figures like Jimmy Kimmel as a backdrop, they explore how political pressures and corporate influence are threatening the First Amendment. Aaron shares his journey from law to journalism, the personal risks he faces reporting the truth, and why media literacy and civic education are essential to preserving democracy. Together, they make a compelling case for why supporting independent journalism is critical to protecting free speech and ensuring an informed public.

What We're Talking About...

• Freedom of speech is under threat in America.
• Independent media is crucial for unbiased news.
• The current political climate is pushing journalists to adapt.
• Civics education is lacking in schools across the country.
• Engaging younger generations in politics is essential.
• The divide between active and inactive citizens is growing.
• Media literacy is necessary to combat misinformation.
• Independent journalists face unique challenges and threats.
• Supporting independent journalism is vital for democracy.
• Personal passion drives the work of independent journalists.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Current Events

04:31 The Importance of Independent Media

07:40 Navigating News in Real-Time

10:45 The Shift from Law to Journalism

13:50 Facing Threats as a Journalist

16:59 The State of Political Engagement

19:53 Encouraging Civic Awareness

22:42 Supporting Independent Journalism

23:51 The Importance of Supporting Free Speech

24:20 Staying Informed and Active in Current Events

Links Mentioned

Aaron Parnas on Substack

https://substack.com/@aaronparnas

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Saikat Chakrabarti, congressional candidate for California’s 11th district. Their conversation explores the widening inequality gap in America, Saikat’s journey from Silicon Valley tech to progressive politics, and why bold new leadership is essential in this moment. Saikat reflects on his work with Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the hard choices and sacrifices that come with running for office, and his vision for tackling San Francisco’s biggest challenges. Together, they dig into urgent issues like climate change, healthcare, and the power of community engagement to drive lasting change.

What We're Talking About...

• Saikat Chakrabarti is running for Congress in California's 11th district.
• The growing inequality gap is a major concern for Americans.
• Transitioning from tech to politics can bring new perspectives.
• Progressive politics often resonate with the majority of Americans.
• Fresh leadership is needed to address the challenges in Congress.
• San Francisco's issues reflect broader national problems.
• Family support is crucial for those running for office.
• Climate change presents both challenges and opportunities for economic growth.
• Constituent services are vital for effective representation.
• Engaging with the community is essential for a successful campaign.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:06 Transition from Tech to Politics

07:09 The Role of Progressive Politics

10:21 Running Against the Status Quo

13:19 Challenges in San Francisco

16:10 Family Life and Sacrifices

19:04 Passion for Climate and Economic Issues

21:59 Barriers to Progress

25:09 Constituent Services and Community Engagement

28:16 Campaign Strategies and Outreach

Links Mentioned

https://www.saikat.us/

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Esther Kim Varet, candidate for California’s 40th congressional district. Esther shares her path from businesswoman and mother to first-time candidate, underscoring why community engagement and authentic representation matter now more than ever. Their conversation explores the impact of redistricting, the vital role women play in political activism, and how grassroots movements can mobilize change. Through her personal story and vision, Esther highlights both the urgency of protecting democracy and the power of bringing diverse voices to Congress.

What We're Talking About...

• Esther Kim Varet is running for Congress to represent California's 40th district.
• She emphasizes the importance of community involvement in political change.
• Esther's journey reflects the challenges and sacrifices of running for office as a mother.
• The impact of redistricting and gerrymandering on political representation is significant.
• Women play a crucial role in mobilizing for democracy and political change.
• Grassroots movements are essential for engaging voters and driving change.
• Esther's personal story highlights the importance of representation in politics.
• Navigating political discourse requires understanding diverse perspectives.
• The future of democracy depends on active participation from citizens.
• Esther encourages others to take action and get involved in their communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:24 Running for Office: The Motivation

06:57 Understanding the Political Landscape

12:02 The Role of Art and History in Politics

18:21 Family Dynamics and Support

24:22 Facing Challenges and Overcoming Fear

34:03 Building Connections in Dark Times

35:44 Mobilizing Women for Democracy

37:47 Tangible Actions for Change

42:02 Engaging Communities through Entertainment

45:07 Team Normal: A Call for Common Sense

51:20 Strategizing for Electoral Success

58:08 Inspiration from Esther's Journey

58:59 Empowering Voices for Change

Links Mentioned

Esther Kim Varet's Website

https://estherkimvaret.com