Beyond The Campaign

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/#

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Mac Deford, a veteran, attorney, and Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in South Carolina, to discuss his path from service to public leadership. Deford shares how his military background and legal career shaped his commitment to public service and informed his decision to run for office.

The conversation explores key issues impacting South Carolinians, including affordable housing, the rising cost of living, and the challenges facing working families. Deford outlines his vision for responsible, community-focused leadership and explains why engaging voters and investing in the next generation are essential to creating lasting change. This episode offers insight into the motivations behind Deford’s campaign and the policies he believes are critical for building a more equitable future.

What We're Talking About...

• Mac Deford, a U.S. military veteran and Democratic candidate for Congress in South Carolina, shares his motivation for running for office.
• Deford identifies affordable housing as a critical solution to the growing cost of living crisis facing families.
• His military service strongly influences his approach to public service and leadership.
• Deford stresses the need for responsible, accountable leadership in Congress.
• He is committed to creating a better future for the next generation of Americans.
• The episode highlights the economic and social challenges facing South Carolina communities.
• Deford’s campaign centers on community engagement, service, and voter connection.
• He calls for greater transparency and investigation into current government policies.
• Deford shares how being a father shapes his political priorities and values.
• His campaign aims to flip a competitive congressional seat in South Carolina.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mac DeFord and Charleston

02:24 Mac's Journey: From Coast Guard to Congress

05:18 The Challenges of Coast Guard Law Enforcement

07:57 Current Issues in the Caribbean and Coast Guard Operations

10:28 Accountability in Government and Military Decisions

13:05 The Impact of Parenthood on Political Aspirations

15:33 Addressing the Cost of Living Crisis

18:11 Housing Affordability and Community Needs

20:51 The Role of Tariffs and Economic Policy

23:47 The Need for Ordinary People in Politics

26:28 Closing Thoughts and How to Support Mac DeFord

Links Mentioned

Mac Deford's campaign website: www.defordforcongress.com

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac interviews Michigan Sheriff Chris Swanson about his transition from law enforcement to running for governor of Michigan. Sheriff Swanson reflects on his nationally recognized leadership during the George Floyd protests, sharing how empathy, unity, and optimism shaped his response and continue to influence his approach to public service. He discusses his personal background, the pivotal moments that brought him into the political arena, and his vision for building a safer, more connected Michigan. This episode explores the power of compassionate leadership, bridging political divides, and inspiring meaningful change at the community and state levels.

What We're Talking About...

• Sheriff Chris Swanson highlights the role of optimism as a cornerstone of effective leadership.
• He believes strong leaders inspire others by recognizing their potential and leading with purpose.
• Unity and collaboration are essential for creating lasting progress in communities and government.
• His leadership philosophy was deeply shaped by his experience during the George Floyd protests.
• Swanson’s approach to law enforcement centers on empathy, accountability, and human connection.
• He is focused on building a movement for positive change across Michigan.
• Family support plays a critical role in sustaining leaders in demanding public service positions.
• Listening to community needs and responding with action defines his leadership style.
• Swanson advocates for confronting division and hate to strengthen society as a whole.
• His run for governor of Michigan represents a natural next step in expanding his impact and driving systemic change.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:26 Leadership and Optimism in Law Enforcement

07:14 The Impact of George Floyd's Murder

10:12 The Unity March and Community Response

13:17 Empathy and Leadership in Crisis

16:24 Running for Governor: A Vision for Change

19:27 Personal Life and Support System

22:00 Addressing Division and Hate

25:20 Future Aspirations and Campaign Goals

32:29 A Breath of Fresh Air: Sheriff Swanson's Vision

33:25 Building Better Communities Together

Links Mentioned

Sheriff Chris Swanson's campaign website: https://swansonformichigan.com

Sheriff Chris Swanson's TEDx Talk: “Let’s Walk” - Sheriff Chris Swanson’s TEDx Talk

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with returning guest and congressional candidate Kate Barr to discuss her bold decision to switch her voter registration from Democrat to Republican in order to run for Congress in North Carolina. Kate breaks down the strategic reasoning behind this move, offering insight into the realities of voter engagement, party dynamics, and navigating a deeply gerrymandered district.

Michelle and Kate explore how authenticity, transparency, and creative campaign strategies can cut through political noise and connect with voters who feel overlooked. They also dive into the growing influence of community organizing and social media in modern political campaigns, as well as the mixed reactions Kate has received from supporters and critics alike.

Kate’s unconventional approach challenges the status quo and aims to open new pathways toward progressive representation in Congress—proving that transformative politics sometimes requires unexpected choices.

What We're Talking About...

• Kate Barr is running for Congress in North Carolina after strategically switching her party affiliation to increase her chances in a gerrymandered district.
• Party switching can be an effective strategy for candidates facing restrictive or politically skewed districts.
• Engaging unaffiliated and independent voters is crucial to winning elections in North Carolina.
• Authenticity and transparency remain essential for building trust with modern voters.
• Strong community involvement can significantly influence local and congressional election outcomes.
• Social media is now a vital tool for political campaigns, voter outreach, and narrative control.
• Successful candidates must adapt to a rapidly changing political landscape and evolving voter expectations.
• Educating voters about candidates beyond simple party labels is key to increasing informed voter participation.
• Creative and unconventional campaign strategies can disrupt traditional political norms.
• Grassroots support continues to be one of the most powerful drivers of campaign momentum and voter engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Reintroduction

03:53 Running as a Republican in a Democratic Context

07:01 The Strategy Behind Party Registration

10:03 Public Reactions and Support

13:00 The Importance of Authenticity in Politics

15:54 Engaging Young Voters and Community Involvement

19:15 Challenges in the Political Landscape

22:06 The Moment of Decision

25:04 The Role of Social Media in Politics

26:22 Voter Engagement Strategies

28:21 Conclusion and Future Outlook

36:18 Empowering Voter Engagement

37:15 The Importance of Research in Elections

Links Mentioned

Kate Barr's campaign website: http://www.katebarrcanwin.com/

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Rebecca Bennett — Navy veteran, working mom, and congressional candidate from New Jersey — for a powerful conversation about service, leadership, and the future of American families. Rebecca shares how her military experience shapes her approach to public office and why she’s committed to addressing the childcare crisis, strengthening support for veterans, and championing policies that uplift working families.

Michelle and Rebecca also explore the importance of increasing women’s representation in politics, especially mothers, and what it means to reclaim patriotism in a divided political climate. This episode offers an inspiring look at how Rebecca is meeting voters where they are and redefining what modern political leadership can look like.

What We're Talking About...

• Rebecca Bennett is a Navy veteran and congressional candidate running to represent New Jersey.
• She stresses the urgent need for more women — especially mothers — to serve in political office.
• The childcare crisis remains a major issue impacting working families nationwide.
• Rebecca’s campaign uses creative outreach strategies, including playground meet-and-greets to connect with parents.
• She is a strong advocate for improving support systems for veterans and military families.
• The episode explores why reclaiming patriotism and the American flag matters in today’s political climate.
• Rebecca’s experience as a test pilot shapes her leadership style and decision-making approach.
• She discusses the challenges and importance of balancing family life while running a political campaign.
• The Hellcats, a group of women veterans, provide vital community and support for each other’s political journeys.
• Rebecca’s deep commitment to service continues to drive her mission to make an impact through public office.

Chapters

00:00 Meet the Badass: Rebecca Bennett

08:21 The Call to Serve: Running for Office

20:32 Championing Families: Childcare and Veterans' Support

25:41 Reclaiming Patriotism: A Veteran's Perspective

29:52 Empowering Women in Politics

30:20 Building Community Through Campaigns

Links Mentioned

Rebecca Bennett’s campaign website: www.rebeccabennettforcongress.com

Donate to Rebecca Bennett’s campaign:  https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bennett-web

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Representative Dr. Jasmine Clark, a Georgia state legislator and scientist running for Congress. Dr. Clark shares her inspiring journey from the world of science to public service, highlighting what motivated her to enter politics and how her background shapes her approach to leadership.

They discuss the importance of representation in government, the realities of balancing motherhood and a political career, and why listening to constituents is key to effective policymaking. Dr. Clark also opens up about her priorities for affordable healthcare, community engagement, and creating a more equitable future for all Georgians.

What We're Talking About...

• Dr. Jasmine Clark, a Georgia state representative, is running for Congress to bring science and evidence-based policymaking to Washington.
• Her background in science shapes her approach to leadership and decision-making.
• Listening to constituents is central to effective and responsive representation.
• Affordable healthcare remains one of her top priorities for creating lasting change.
• Community support is the foundation of her campaign and political success.
• As a mom in politics, Dr. Clark brings empathy and real-world problem-solving to the table.
• Representation matters—especially for inspiring the next generation of leaders.
• Every vote counts and has the power to impact the outcome of elections.
• Building trust through voter engagement is essential to strengthening democracy.
• Dr. Clark’s campaign is driven by science, equity, and community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Representative Dr. Jasmine Clark

02:45 The Journey from Science to Politics

05:48 Running for Congress: A Call to Action

09:02 The Importance of Representation

12:11 Balancing Motherhood and Politics

15:01 The Learning Curve of Running for Office

18:11 Listening to the Community

21:01 Key Issues: Affordable Healthcare

24:03 Engaging with Voters and Building Trust

Links Mentioned

Jasmine Clark’s website: www.jasmine4ga.com

Jasmine Clark’s social accounts: @jasmine4ga

This special crossover episode of Beyond the Campaign and Read the Damn Book brings together host Michelle Glogovac and guest Dakarai Larriett for a powerful conversation about advocacy, leadership, and storytelling. Larriett shares his journey from being a lifelong advocate for community issues to running for the United States Senate, drawing from the experiences detailed in his memoir, Don’t Flush. He discusses confronting police misconduct, the importance of education, and his vision for Alabama’s future. Throughout the conversation, Larriett highlights how education, healthcare, and criminal justice reform are deeply interconnected—and why true change begins with community engagement.

What We're Talking About...

• Dakarai Larriett has dedicated his life to advocating for community issues and creating meaningful change in Alabama.
• With a strong background in public service and education advocacy, Larriett brings firsthand experience to his political vision.
• His personal encounter with police misconduct became the catalyst for his decision to run for public office.
• Education remains a cornerstone of Larriett’s campaign, as he pushes for better access, funding, and opportunities for all students.
• He believes that true political progress starts with active community engagement and listening to local voices.
• Larriett calls for comprehensive criminal justice reform to create a fairer, more accountable system.
• He is deeply committed to dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline and investing in youth success.
• His entrepreneurial drive extends beyond politics, shown through his innovative pet aromatherapy business.
• Larriett advocates for universal healthcare access, especially for children and underserved families.
• He’s focused on building bipartisan coalitions to bring people together and move Alabama forward.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:55 The Journey to Advocacy and Writing

07:20 Experiences with Law Enforcement and Justice

11:58 Political Aspirations and Community Engagement

16:24 Education and Its Impact on Society

21:11 Campaign Strategies and Community Connection

Links Mentioned

Links Mentioned

Don’t Flush promo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_9BjWs4QT0

Purchase Don’t Flush: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FKGSB8FY?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_XW3K5MBYRRA4TZCREFGH_1&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_XW3K5MBYRRA4TZCREFGH_1&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_XW3K5MBYRRA4TZCREFGH_1&bestFormat=true

Dakarai Larriett’s website: https://dakarailarriett.com/

Dakarai Larriett’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574763727908

Dakarai Larriett’s Instagram: @dakarailarriettforsenate

Dakarai Larriett’s TokTok: @dakarai.larriett

Guest Bio:

Dakarai Larriett, an Alabama native and the son of a U.S. Army veteran and a public school teacher, is a thriving entrepreneur and committed community volunteer. His candidacy for the U.S. Senate is driven by the injustice he faced from a false arrest in 2024. Growing up influenced by his father's military service, Dakarai moved between several states and even spent time in Germany. He excelled academically, earning a full scholarship to the University of Alabama, where his dedication to public service deepened during his junior year as an exchange student at Howard University.

Dakarai has built a successful career as a corporate leader while also managing a pet-care business he launched from his garage. Over the past 20 years, he has served in leadership roles on multiple nonprofit boards, gaining a reputation for his servant leadership upon returning to Birmingham in 2021. Actively involved in various volunteer initiatives, he leads an HOA board in downtown Birmingham that represents local families and businesses, showcasing his passion for Alabama's culture and community. In his leisure time, Dakarai enjoys visiting the shooting range and regularly attends First United Methodist Church.