Think hemp products are harmless just because they’re legal? Think again.
In this episode of the How It Really Works series of the Independent Voter Podcast, guest host Tony Manolatos sits down with journalist Chris Casacchia to expose the hidden dangers of synthetic hemp flooding stores across America.

Casacchia, an award-winning reporter covering the industry, explains how candy-like packaging, legal loopholes, and zero regulation are creating a public health crisis that’s sending kids to the ER. From the 2018 Farm Bill’s unintended consequences to the economic fallout for legitimate businesses, this conversation lifts the veil on a booming gray market few people even know exists.
This episode is a must-listen for parents, policymakers, and anyone concerned about the next wave of America’s health crises — because what you don’t know can hurt you.

Don’t forget to follow or subscribe at OlasMedia.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

Some key moments of this episode:

00:00:00 - Welcome to How It Really Works
00:02:11 - Meet Chris Casacchia
00:04:17 - What Is Synthetic Hemp?
00:08:16 - The 2018 Farm Bill Loophole
00:12:14 - Hidden Dangers and No Regulations
00:17:35 - Kids, ER Visits, and Parental Warnings
00:22:36 - The Battle for Regulation
00:28:09 - Economic Impact on Legal Markets
00:32:26 - Can States Like Minnesota Lead the Way?
00:36:19 - A Call for Federal Action

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Think the justice system only affects the incarcerated? Think again. In this episode of the How It Really Works series of the Independent Voter Podcast, Chad Peace sits down with corrections expert Michael Cantrell to unpack the hidden mental health crisis facing correctional officers across the country.

Cantrell, a former officer and host of the Prison Officer Podcast, reveals how burnout, PTSD, and emotional isolation have become normalized in a profession that rarely makes the headlines. From training culture to administrative neglect, this conversation peels back the layers on a system that’s breaking the very people we expect to hold it together.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about justice reform—and it’s just one chapter in a much bigger story.

Don’t forget to follow or subscribe at OlasMedia.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

Some key moments of this episode:

00:00 – Welcome to How It Really Works
01:12 – The Forgotten Side of Justice Reform
03:40 – What Correctional Officers Are Really Trained For
08:25 – The Mental Health Toll of the Job
13:05 – Why Officers Don’t Ask for Help
18:44 – Breaking the Silence Around Trauma
24:31 – Culture Shift vs. Policy Change
30:12 – Wrapping Up: What Real Reform Requires

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Think it’s easy to run for president as an Independent in the U.S.? Think again. In this episode of our new How It Really Works series, Chad Peace sits down with electoral reform powerhouse Cara McCormick to unpack why running outside the two-party system is so hard, it’s almost impossible.

Cara breaks down seven hidden barriers independent candidates face—from brutal ballot access laws to being shut out of debates. You’ll also hear real clips from RFK Jr. and Ross Perot as we rewind the tape on what happened when outsiders actually tried to make a run for it.

This episode is packed with wild (and sometimes infuriating) truths about the system—and it’s just the beginning.

Don’t forget to follow or subscribe at OlasMedia.com or wherever you get your podcast

Some key moments of this episode:

00:00 – Welcome to “How It Really Works”

02:28 – Why No One Runs as an Independent

03:11 – RFK Jr. and the Ballot Access Trap

04:27 – Americans Elect: A Case Study

09:01 – The Financial Toll on Independents

12:22 – No Infrastructure, No Chance

17:14 – The Spoiler Effect Is Real

24:26 – Debate Stage Lockout

35:58 – Electoral College Math Doesn’t Add Up

39:10 – Even Insiders Get Shut Out

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This is the inaugural episode of the Independent Voter Podcast with Chad Peace and Cara McCormick. In this launch, they share the complexities of independent candidacies in U.S. presidential elections. Ever wondered why so few run as independents? Chad and Cara explore the formidable challenges, from ballot access hurdles to debate stage exclusions and fundraising disparities. They examine how the current electoral system favors major parties and discuss its implications for voter choice and democracy. Join them as they shed light on these critical issues and advocate for a more inclusive political landscape.

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at OlasMedia.com

Key Moments from this episode:

00:00:01 - Introduction to the Independent Voter Podcast
00:01:56 - The Ethic Behind the Independent Voter Project
00:06:24 - Merging Efforts for Reform
00:10:06 - Collaboration for Reform
00:14:32 - Embracing Courage and Resilience
00:15:31 - Introduction to IVP's Next Phase
00:18:17 - The Difficulty of Running as an Independent
00:23:45 - The Two-Party System and Its Impact
00:27:21 - IVP's Ethical Standards
00:30:09 - Advancing Nonpartisan Reforms
00:30:51 - Overwhelming Support for Getting Rid of Super PACs
00:31:54 - Belief in the Dream of Reform
00:32:27 - Optimism for Democracy
00:33:36 - Encouraging Engagement and Unity
00:35:53 - Conclusion and Thanks

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The author of California’s Top Two Candidates Open Primary, which took effect in 2012, wants to reform his reform.

Steve Peace, a founder of the Independent Voter Project, wants California to move to a system that would ask voters to rank 4 or 5 candidates instead of voting for just one. Alaska and Maine have adopted a similar Rank Choice Voting system.

Peace looks through the national political lens and the local one too to discuss voter reform on this episode of Dear San Diego. Listeners also get to hear about his family life (he says he’s an Uber driver for his grandkids) and the advice he gives young people.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Introduction to California's top two primary
00:01:29 - Inception of the top two primary
00:03:22 - How the top two primary works
00:08:24 - Flaws in the current political system
00:14:01 - Manipulation of the top two primary system
00:15:26 - The Power of Campaigns Driven by Turnout
00:17:27 - Political Maneuvering and Campaign Strategies
00:19:23 - The Influence of Committees and Political Alliances
00:22:29 - Advancing Electoral Reform: Ranked-Choice Voting
00:26:29 - The Need for Continuous Electoral Reform
00:31:02 - Ranked Choice Voting System
00:33:21 - Nonpartisan Top Four or Top Five System
00:35:17 - Reducing Campaign Costs
00:41:13 - Fixing Ranked Choice Voting
00:46:35 - Misjudging Willie Brown
00:48:27 - Steve Peace's Personal Life
00:53:30 - Motivations and Family
00:55:50 - Privacy Rights and Identity
01:00:17 - Childhood Influence
01:03:39 - Reflection on past behavior
01:05:13 - Advice for life
01:05:59 - Importance of facing adversity
01:07:02 - Perception of need and resilience
01:08:57 - Closing remarks

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In this captivating podcast episode, titled "AI and Data: How They Will Shape the 2024 Election," we explore the transformative role of AI in political campaigns. Join us as Paul Westcott, the Executive Vice President at L2, shares his decade-long expertise in leveraging AI and machine learning to target voters with precision. Discover how granular data and cutting-edge technology are reshaping voter engagement, making Paul a trusted influencer in data-driven campaign strategy. Dive into this enlightening conversation to uncover the potential of AI in activating unlikely voters and revolutionizing the political landscape.

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Drew Lieberman counts San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, Hawaii Governor Josh Green, and the U.S. Navy among his clients. Drew has worked with Tony and Juan on several land-use campaigns. 

A savvy and seasoned pollster, Drew is Executive Vice President at Strategies 360. He also is a dedicated father of two, a loving husband, and a travel baseball dad. With a wealth of political strategy expertise, Drew has lent his skills to numerous notable campaigns, earning a reputation as a top-notch pollster. 

Tony and Juan talk to this Encinitas native about polling, politics, baseball, beer and more.

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Binational entrepreneur, Juan Hernandez Sr., Former Senator Steve Peace, and Senator Brian Jones join guest host Assemblymember, David Alvarez on the Politic Deli podcast to discuss the importance of cross-border cooperation and collaboration between California and Mexico. In the bustling border region of San Diego-Tijuana, three extraordinary individuals stand as beacons of hope and progress.

(Originally aired 15August23)

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In this special simulcast episode, Justin Isaac, sits with Chad Peace, of the Independent Voter Project to delve into the significance of local voting and the importance of protecting voting rights. Jeff Isaac and Steve Peace explore an intriguing case related to voting rights and examine the local lawsuits filed that have a direct impact on the democratic processes. Hear why it is crucial to advocate for an easy and accessible voting process for all citizens.

(Originally aired 12June23)

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From the IVP Summit in Hawaii, retired corrections officer Stephen Walker talks to Andy Moore, Executive Director of NANR (National Association of Non-Partisan Reformers). Stephen serves as IVP Board Member and shares how his passion led him to the Independent Voter Project. Andy speaks to the value of convening, catalyzing and connecting, when challenging and changing policies and how primaries work.

(Originally aired 04May23)

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