In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Lee discuss the current political climate, focusing on the chaos and instability stemming from the Trump administration. They delve into issues surrounding immigration, particularly ICE raids, and the implications of foreign policy decisions. The conversation highlights the importance of resistance and activism in the face of corruption and cronyism within the government. The hosts emphasize the need for a strong Democratic strategy that resonates with the public and encourages community engagement and participation in the political process.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken welcome Representative Lindsay Cross, who discusses her background as an environmental scientist and her advocacy for LGBTQ rights. The conversation covers pressing political issues, including the current federal administration's actions, state-level accountability, and the upcoming legislative session. Representative Cross shares insights on key bills she is sponsoring, focusing on environmental protection, housing, and transportation initiatives. The episode concludes with a shout-out to community engagement and activism.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken welcome Nikki Fried, the Chair of the Florida Democratic Party. They discuss the current political landscape in Florida, recent election results, and the importance of grassroots organizing. Fried emphasizes the need for authenticity in candidates and the challenges of running for office, particularly in a state with a part-time legislature. The conversation also touches on the dynamics within Congress, the impact of political violence, and the necessity of engaging with constituents in meaningful ways. The episode concludes with a shout-out to those stepping up to run for office and a call to action for listeners to get involved in their communities.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken welcome Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, a candidate for the State House in Florida. Felipe shares his inspiring journey from Brazil to the United States, his experiences as an undocumented immigrant, and his advocacy work in the immigrant rights and LGBTQ+ communities. The conversation delves into the challenges facing Florida, including affordable housing, education, and the insurance crisis, as well as the importance of local governance and community engagement. Felipe emphasizes the need for action and participation in the political process, encouraging listeners to support candidates who represent their values and fight for their rights.

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In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken welcome Carla Bristol, a passionate community advocate and leader in South St. Petersburg. Carla shares her journey from corporate America to community organizing, emphasizing the importance of access to nutritious food, mental health initiatives, and empowering youth voices. The conversation explores systemic issues in St. Pete, including housing stability and the need for community resilience. Carla highlights the significance of building organic relationships within the community and the impact of local events in fostering connection and support. The episode concludes with shout-outs to community organizations making a difference.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken engage in a deep conversation with former Congressman David Jolly about his political transformation from a Republican to a Democrat. They discuss the importance of accountability in politics, the values that guide Jolly's policies, and the pressing issues of reproductive freedom and LGBTQ rights. Jolly shares his insights on the current authoritarian leadership in Florida and the need for electoral reforms to ensure fair representation. The conversation culminates in a segment where they address the importance of free speech and the need to combat hate while protecting individual rights.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Lee welcome Florida State Senator Shevrin Jones, the first openly LGBTQ black member of the Florida Senate. They discuss his journey in politics, advocacy for education and mental health, the challenges of navigating LGBTQ rights in a Republican-dominated legislature, and the importance of empowering young voices in shaping state policy. The conversation also touches on recent public policy changes in Florida and concludes with a shout-out to community activists and a critique of performative politics.

In this episode of 'For St. Pete's Sake,' hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Lee engage with Vance Ahrens, a former candidate for state Senate in Florida. The conversation covers Vance's political journey, motivations for running, and the importance of community engagement. They discuss pressing issues such as anti-trans legislation, environmental concerns, gun violence, and the ongoing attacks on the LGBTQ community. Vance emphasizes the need for responsible gun ownership and common-sense reforms, while also highlighting the significance of visibility and representation for marginalized groups. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage in their communities and advocate for change.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken discuss various pressing political issues affecting Pinellas County and beyond. They delve into the recent removal of street art in Florida, which they view as a government overreach and an attack on free speech, particularly against the LGBTQ community. The conversation shifts to the broader implications of authoritarianism in politics, the challenges faced by the Democratic Party, and the importance of public health measures, especially regarding vaccine mandates. They also address the troubling activation of the National Guard in response to protests and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the need for awareness and action.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Lee welcome U.S. Representative Kathy Castor to discuss pressing political issues in Pinellas County and beyond. The conversation covers a range of topics, including hurricane preparedness, the role of FEMA, housing affordability, public transportation, redistricting concerns, voter rights, and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Castor emphasizes the importance of community engagement and resilience in the face of challenges, while also sharing personal insights and rapid-fire responses to lighter questions.