Kansas Helen Podcast

Bryant Jacobs is running for Governor of Kansas in the 2026 election.

In this full conversation, Bryant Jacobs discusses his decision to run for Governor and the experiences that shaped his perspective on leadership and policy in Kansas. He explains what led him to step into the race and how his background influences the priorities he is bringing forward in his campaign. The discussion begins with his view of the current political environment in Kansas, including how decisions are being made at the state level and how those decisions impact everyday Kansans.

Jacobs outlines his approach to governing, focusing on how he believes the role of the Governor should function in relation to the legislature, state agencies, and the public. He discusses the importance of transparency, communication, and accountability, and how those principles should guide decision-making. He also addresses how long-term planning fits into state government, including the need to move beyond short-term political cycles and focus on sustained outcomes for communities across Kansas.

The conversation covers a range of policy areas, including the state budget, economic development, and how resources are allocated. Jacobs talks about how economic decisions affect both urban and rural areas differently and how the state can approach development in a way that reflects those differences. He also discusses workforce issues, infrastructure needs, and how state-level policy connects to local outcomes.

Healthcare is another major topic, including access to care across Kansas and the challenges faced by rural hospitals and providers. Jacobs discusses how healthcare policy decisions at the state level influence availability and affordability, and how those systems interact with federal programs. He also touches on mental health services and the need for broader access across communities.

Education is also addressed, including funding, classroom resources, and how the state supports both students and educators. Jacobs discusses how policy decisions impact schools at the local level and how those decisions connect to workforce development and long-term economic outcomes. He also speaks to the importance of stability and consistency in education policy.

The conversation includes discussion around public safety and the role of law enforcement, including how accountability is handled and how communities interact with those systems. Jacobs outlines his views on how public safety should function and how policy decisions can shape outcomes across different communities.

Throughout the conversation, Jacobs returns to the idea of representation and what it means to serve Kansans at the state level. He discusses how elected officials balance competing priorities and how decisions made in state government affect daily life across Kansas. He also addresses the role of voters in shaping those decisions and the importance of engagement in the political process.

Toward the end of the conversation, Jacobs reflects on the structure of the campaign itself, including how he is approaching the race, the challenges of running statewide, and what he hopes voters take away from his candidacy. He emphasizes the importance of participation in the upcoming election and the role voters play in determining the direction of the state.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas Governor race here:

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #ksleg #vote #2026elections #kansasgovernor

Ryan Gilbert is running in a packed Democrat primary in August to determine who will run against Estes in November.

In this segment, Ryan Gilbert describes a foster care placement where he experienced stability and consistency. He explains how that environment differed from other placements and what it showed about how support systems can function when they are working as intended.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas’ 4th Congressional District, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #vote #2026elections #congress #grassroots

Robert Thomas is running for Kansas House District 61, representing parts of Jackson, Pottawatomie, and Riley counties, including Holton, Delia, Westmoreland, St. Marys, Onaga, and parts of Manhattan.

In this portion of the conversation, Thomas and Reicher continue discussing the realities of serving in the Statehouse, emphasizing that representatives are one of many voices and must operate within a larger system. They highlight the importance of focusing on what can realistically be accomplished rather than broader issues outside the scope of the position.

The conversation also explores internal legislative dynamics, including how leadership assigns committee positions and how that can influence which voices are heard in key decision-making spaces. They discuss how this structure can shape outcomes by limiting or redirecting the impact of individual representatives, even when they have relevant expertise.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 61, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen Youtube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #republican #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Ryan Gilbert is running in a packed Democrat primary in August to determine who will run against Estes in November.

In this section, Gilbert talks about the money barrier in congressional campaigns and says he wants to show support through people, not just dollars. He says he may not have the $300,000 that gets candidates taken seriously by the political establishment, but he wants to walk into the race with people behind him instead of corporate money. The conversation also connects campaign donations to political accountability and the question of who candidates work for once elected.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the KS 4th Congressional District race here:

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #vote #2026elections #congress #grassroots

Robert Thomas is running for Kansas House District 61, representing parts of Jackson, Pottawatomie, and Riley counties, including Holton, Delia, Westmoreland, St. Marys, Onaga, and parts of Manhattan.

In this portion of the conversation, Thomas and Reicher discuss the importance of focusing on what a state representative can realistically accomplish. They emphasize that representatives operate as one member of a larger legislative body, meaning even aligned candidates may not be able to pass every issue voters care about.

The discussion highlights the need for voters to understand the role of their representatives, including the importance of starting conversations, advocating for their district, and working within the broader system. They also stress the importance of electing individuals who will represent the needs of their district rather than outside interests, while maintaining realistic expectations about how change happens within the legislature.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 61, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen Youtube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #republican #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Ryan Gilbert is running in a packed Democrat primary in August to determine who will run against Estes in November.

In this segment, Ryan Gilbert talks about being separated from siblings while in the foster care system. He describes how those separations occurred and the impact it had on maintaining family connections during that time.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas’ 4th Congressional District, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #vote #2026elections #congress #grassroots

Robert Thomas is running for Kansas House District 61, representing parts of Jackson, Pottawatomie, and Riley counties, including Holton, Delia, Westmoreland, St. Marys, Onaga, and parts of Manhattan.

In this portion of the conversation, Thomas discusses term limits and the concept of an Article V Convention, which would allow states to propose constitutional amendments. He explains that efforts at the national level have focused on issues like a balanced budget amendment and term limits, while also noting that states would ultimately need to approve any changes.

The discussion also returns to the idea of term limits at the state level, with Thomas expressing support for limiting time in office to prevent long-term consolidation of power. Both emphasize the importance of maintaining accountability and ensuring that elected officials remain focused on serving their districts rather than holding positions indefinitely.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 61, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen Youtube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #republican #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Ryan Gilbert is running in a packed Democrat primary in August to determine who will run against Estes in November.

In this segment, Ryan Gilbert discusses how identity and perception can affect how individuals are treated within systems. He talks about being perceived differently in various situations and how those perceptions influence interactions, expectations, and outcomes. He connects these experiences to broader discussions about inequality and how people navigate institutions.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas’ 4th Congressional District, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #vote #2026elections #congress #grassroots

Robert Thomas is running for Kansas House District 61, representing parts of Jackson, Pottawatomie, and Riley counties, including Holton, Delia, Westmoreland, St. Marys, Onaga, and parts of Manhattan.

In this portion of the conversation, Thomas and Reicher discuss how political communication is changing, particularly with the use of social media and digital platforms. Reicher explains her approach to sharing content across multiple platforms, including long-form interviews and shorter clips designed for different audiences.

The discussion highlights the challenges of reaching voters, especially in rural areas, and the need to adapt messaging depending on the platform. They talk about how content often needs to be simplified or reformatted to engage people who may not actively seek out political information, as well as the importance of building systems and processes to consistently communicate with a broader audience.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 61, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen Youtube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #republican #vote #2026elections #kansashouse

Ryan Gilbert is running in a packed Democrat primary in August to determine who will run against Estes in November.

In this segment, Ryan Gilbert discusses situations where law enforcement was aware of abuse and how those situations were handled. He describes the gaps between awareness and action, and how those experiences shaped his perspective on accountability within systems that are meant to protect people.

See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas’ 4th Congressional District, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com

You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify

#kansas #vote #2026elections #congress #grassroots