In this episode, Christian and Laura sit down with bold and witty candidate Josh Weil for a wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts hilarious and hard-hitting. From the disgusting “Alligator Alcatraz” to the real work of finding bipartisan common ground, Josh brings fresh perspective, fierce honesty, and a few laughs along the way. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at campaigning in Florida, the issues that actually unite us, and why Josh believes showing up matters most.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken welcome Missouri State Representative Raychel Proudie. They discuss her journey into politics, the impact of personal experiences on her activism, and the challenges faced in the current political climate, particularly regarding reproductive rights and LGBTQ legislation. Proudie emphasizes the importance of local politics and youth engagement in driving change, while also reflecting on the historical context of movements like Black Lives Matter. The conversation highlights the need for coalition-building and the significance of budgetary decisions in legislative processes, concluding with a message of hope and encouragement for future generations of activists.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken welcome Ana Eskamani, a prominent political figure in Florida. They discuss her journey into politics, the importance of community activism, and the challenges faced in a conservative political landscape. Ana shares her insights on immigration, healthcare, and LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing the need for grassroots movements and civic engagement. The conversation highlights the significance of celebrating wins while acknowledging ongoing struggles and encourages listeners to get involved in their communities.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Lee engage with Commissioner Renee Flowers of Pinellas County. They discuss her journey in public service, the challenges of affordable housing and gentrification, the impact of property tax and homeowners insurance, and the political climate in Florida. Flowers emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the role of Pinellas County in upcoming elections, while also addressing the need for compassion and humanity in policy-making.

This week, Christian and Laura discuss a few national headlines before bringing it back home to Florida and closing it out with the weekly Shout Out or Shut Down.

If you want to join Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas at St. Pete Pride this weekend (6/28 and 6/29) sign up here:

Parade - https://www.mobilize.us/stonewalldemocratsofpinellas/event/772487/

Street Fair - https://www.mobilize.us/stonewalldemocratsofpinellas/event/772505/

We sit down with Kyandra Darling, candidate for Florida House District 62, to talk about her grassroots campaign, bold vision for equity, and what it means to lead with community at the center.

darlingforflorida.com

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken discuss the kickoff of Pride Month, highlighting their participation in local events and the importance of community engagement. They reflect on the powerful speeches delivered at the Pride and Progress Dinner Fundraiser, emphasizing the need for intersectionality in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The conversation shifts to the concerning militarization of protests and the importance of free speech, culminating in a call to action for the upcoming No Kings Day protest. The hosts stress the importance of safety and community support during activism.

This week on the podcast Christian and Laura from Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County interview Marialana Kinter, who is running for Congress in Florida's 7th Congressional District.

This week, Christian and Laura are joined by Luis Salazar, a fellow LGBTQ Caucus member and Hillsborough County LGBTQ Caucus president! They try to figure out what is going on with the Democratic party statewide and nationally, and the best way to fix it.

This week on the pod, Christian and Laura talk to Katie from 5050-1 Veterans. As a medically retired Army veteran and activist, Katie gives an in-depth interview on issues for veterans that range from applying for benefits to fighting for sexual trauma survivors. We end with the Shout Out / Shut Down segment as usual!

Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County's Pride and Progress dinner tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogress