Like Nobody's Business with Emily Cassel

What does it take to step up and lead your own community?

In this episode, I’m joined by Johnny Austin Thompson, Florida House District 2 candidate, Harvard Law student, and lifelong Florida resident, for a conversation about public service, civic leadership, and why more young people should consider running for office.

Johnny shares how growing up in a working-class family shaped his commitment to public service, why he chose to return home instead of pursuing a lucrative legal career, and what he’s learned from building a grassroots campaign in today’s political climate.

Together, we explore:

* Why local leadership matters more than ever

* The importance of returning home to serve your community

* How young people can reshape politics

* Building a grassroots campaign from the ground up

* Why transparency and accountability should be the standard for public service

Whether you’re interested in politics, leadership, or making a difference in your own community, this conversation is a reminder that meaningful change often starts close to home.

If this conversation gave you a new perspective on leadership, public service, or the power of local communities, I’d love to hear what resonated with you.

Subscribe to Like Nobody’s Business so you never miss an episode.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a rating and review. Your support helps more people discover thoughtful conversations about leadership, business, and creating meaningful change.

Share this episode with someone who’s passionate about leadership, civic engagement, or making a difference in their community.

Connect with Johnny Austin Thompson

Website: standwithjohnny.com

Instagram: @johnny.athompson

Facebook: Johnny Thompson

Follow me for more conversations on leadership, business, and building a life aligned with your values.

Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode of Like Nobody’s Business.

What does the next generation really want from politics?

In this episode, I’m joined by Santiago Mayer, founder and Executive Director of Voters of Tomorrow, for a conversation about Gen Z, civic engagement, and why the future of American democracy depends on whether young people choose to participate.

As one of the country’s leading Gen Z organizers, Santiago shares what motivates young voters, why so many feel disillusioned with today’s political system, and what leaders need to do to earn their trust.

Together, we explore:

* What Gen Z is looking for in political leadership

* Why affordability has become the defining issue for young voters

* How social media shapes political engagement

* The importance of rebuilding trust in institutions

* Why optimism is essential for the future of democracy

Whether you’re interested in politics, leadership, or simply understanding the next generation, this conversation offers an inside look at the priorities shaping the future of civic engagement in America.

If this conversation gave you a new perspective on Gen Z, leadership, or the future of civic engagement, I’d love to hear what resonated with you.

Subscribe to Like Nobody’s Business so you never miss an episode.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a rating and review. Your support helps more people discover thoughtful conversations about leadership, business, and creating meaningful change.

Share this episode with someone who’s passionate about leadership, public service, or understanding the next generation of voters.

Connect with Santiago Mayer

Instagram: @ssantiagomayer

Organization: Voters of Tomorrow

Website: votersoftomorrow.org

Follow me for more conversations on leadership, business, and building a life aligned with your values.

Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode of Like Nobody’s Business.

As AI transforms the way we work, what becomes even more valuable?

Community.

In this episode, I’m joined by Zach Hartoff, co-founder of Tightknit, for a conversation about why the future of business isn’t just about better technology. It’s about building stronger relationships, creating trust, and helping people connect in more meaningful ways.

From community-led growth to AI, entrepreneurship, and the future of work, we explore why human connection may become the most valuable asset any business can build.

Together, we discuss:

* Why community is becoming a competitive advantage

* How AI is reshaping entrepreneurship and work

* The importance of meeting people where they already are

* Why trust is becoming the new business currency

* What businesses need to do to stay human in an AI-driven world

Whether you’re a founder, creator, marketer, or community builder, this conversation offers practical insights into building businesses that people genuinely want to be part of.

If this conversation gave you a new perspective on community, AI, or the future of business, I’d love to hear what resonated with you.

Subscribe to Like Nobody’s Business so you never miss an episode.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a rating and review. Your support helps more people discover thoughtful conversations about leadership, business, and creating meaningful change.

Share this episode with a founder, entrepreneur, marketer, or community builder who’s thinking about how AI is changing the way we work.

Connect with Zach Hartoff

Company: Tightknit

Website: Tightknit

Follow me for more conversations on leadership, business, and building a life aligned with your values.

Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode of Like Nobody’s Business.

What if the future of politics isn’t shaped by TV ads or press conferences, but by creators, newsletters, podcasts, and social media?

In this episode, I’m joined by Sammy Kanter, founder of Girl and the Gov, for a conversation about how political communication is evolving and why campaigns can no longer afford to ignore digital culture.

With a background spanning politics, PR, influencer marketing, and digital strategy, Sammy shares what today’s voters actually respond to and why authenticity matters more than ever in an increasingly crowded media landscape.

Together, we explore:

* Why political messaging needs to evolve

* How creators are reshaping civic engagement

* The role of newsletters, podcasts, and social media in modern campaigns

* Why authenticity can’t be manufactured

* What Democrats can learn about communicating more effectively

Whether you’re interested in politics, marketing, media, or storytelling, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how people connect with ideas and each other in today’s digital world.

If this conversation made you think differently about politics, media, or the role creators play in shaping public conversations, I’d love to hear what resonated with you.

Subscribe to Like Nobody’s Business so you never miss an episode.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a rating and review. Your support helps more people discover thoughtful conversations about leadership, business, and creating meaningful change.

Share this episode with a creator, marketer, campaign professional, or friend who’s interested in where politics and digital culture are headed.

Connect with Sammy Kanter

Instagram: @girlandthegov

Website: Girl and the Gov

Newsletters:

* The GovHub

* #Viral

* Girl and the Gov Diaries

* Keeping It Currant

Follow me for more conversations on leadership, business, and building a life aligned with your values.

Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode of Like Nobody’s Business.

Can one conversation really change the course of someone’s life?

In this episode, I’m joined by Yasmin Radjy, Executive Director of Swing Left and Vote Forward, for a conversation about grassroots organizing, civic engagement, and why meaningful political change starts with ordinary people deciding to take action.

From knocking on doors and writing letters to having honest conversations with neighbors, Yasmin shares why some of the most powerful moments in politics happen one person at a time.

Together, we explore:

* Why listening is one of the most powerful organizing tools

* How one invitation can change someone’s life

* Why civic engagement is about people, not politics

* The role of community in creating lasting change

* How anyone can get involved, regardless of experience

This conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to be a politician, policy expert, or extrovert to make a difference. Sometimes the biggest impact begins with simply showing up.

If this conversation inspired you to think differently about civic engagement, community, or the impact one person can have, I’d love to hear what resonated with you.

Subscribe to Like Nobody’s Business so you never miss an episode.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a rating and review. Your support helps more people discover thoughtful conversations about leadership, business, and creating meaningful change.

Share this episode with someone who’s looking for practical ways to make a difference in their community.

Connect with Yasmin Radjy

Instagram: @yasminradjy

Organizations:

* Swing Left

* Vote Forward

Follow me for more conversations on leadership, business, and building a life aligned with your values.

Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode of Like Nobody’s Business.

What if the future of politics depends on ordinary people deciding they’re qualified to lead?

In this episode, I’m joined by Amanda Litman, co-founder and president of Run for Something and author of When We’re in Charge, for a conversation about why the next generation of leaders can’t afford to wait their turn.

Since 2017, Run for Something has helped elect more than 1,650 young progressive candidates to local and state office and inspired over 280,000 young people to raise their hands and consider running for office themselves. Together, we discuss what’s driving this new generation of leadership and why authentic, community-driven candidates are reshaping American politics.

Together, we explore:

* Why more young people are stepping into leadership

* How Run for Something is building the next generation of elected officials

* What makes voters trust a candidate today

* Why local elections matter more than ever

* How anyone can begin making an impact in their community

Whether you’re interested in politics, leadership, or simply creating change where you live, this conversation is a reminder that the future isn’t something we wait for. It’s something we build together.

If this conversation inspired you to think differently about leadership, civic engagement, or the future you want to help create, I’d love to hear what resonated with you.

Subscribe to Like Nobody’s Business so you never miss an episode.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a rating and review. Your support helps more people discover thoughtful conversations about leadership, business, and creating meaningful change.

Share this episode with someone who’s passionate about making a difference in their community or has ever wondered whether they should run for office.

Connect with Amanda Litman

Instagram: @amandalitman

Organization: Run for Something

Book: When We’re in Charge

Follow me for more conversations on leadership, business, and building a life aligned with your values.

Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode of Like Nobody’s Business.

Can creators, community organizers, and everyday people change the future of American politics?

In this episode, I’m joined by Liz Minnella, Deputy National Finance Chair of the Democratic National Committee and founder of Connect Forward, for a conversation about the future of political organizing, fundraising, and why the next generation of leadership won’t be built by politicians alone.

Together, we explore:

* Why creators and influencers are becoming the new political messengers

* How local organizing creates national change

* The future of fundraising and campaign finance

* Why community matters more than ever in an increasingly digital world

* How women are leading some of today’s most powerful movements for change

This conversation isn’t just about politics. It’s about leadership, storytelling, community, and finding your role in creating meaningful change.

If this conversation inspired you to think differently about leadership, community, or civic engagement, I’d love to hear what resonated with you.

Subscribe to Like Nobody’s Business so you never miss an episode.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a rating and review. Your support helps more people discover thoughtful conversations about leadership, business, and creating meaningful change.

Share this episode with someone who’s looking for practical ways to make a difference in their community.

Connect with Liz Minnella

* Instagram: @lizaminnella

* Connect Forward

You can also follow me for more conversations on leadership, business, and building a life aligned with your values.

Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode of Like Nobody’s Business.

What do terms like “progressive,” “democratic socialist,” and “socialism” actually mean? And why have they become some of the most misunderstood labels in American politics?

In this episode, I’m joined by Corbin Trent, Executive Director of A Fight Worth Having, former Communications Director for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and former senior aide to Bernie Sanders, for an honest conversation about the political ideas shaping today’s headlines.

Together, we explore:

* The difference between progressivism and democratic socialism

* Why everyday life is more political than many people realize

* How government shapes infrastructure, healthcare, and opportunity

* What both political parties can learn from recent elections

* Why meaningful change requires more than winning campaigns

Whether you agree or disagree with Corbin’s perspective, this conversation is an invitation to better understand the ideas influencing today’s political landscape and to think more critically about the future we want to build.

If this conversation gave you a new perspective on politics, leadership, or civic engagement, I’d love to hear what resonated with you.

Subscribe to Like Nobody’s Business so you never miss an episode.

If you enjoyed this conversation, I’d be so grateful if you left a rating and review. Your support helps more people discover thoughtful conversations about leadership, business, and creating meaningful change.

Share this episode with a friend or colleague who’s interested in understanding the ideas shaping today’s political conversations.

Connect with Corbin Trent

* Instagram: @bcorbintrent

* Substack: Corbin Trent

* Organization: A Fight Worth Having

You can also follow me for more conversations on leadership, business, and building a life aligned with your values.

Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode of Like Nobody’s Business.

What if the problem isn’t that we disagree, but that we’ve stopped talking to each other?

In this episode, I’m joined by Ed Manzi, founder of Unmuted, a civic dialogue initiative that’s reimagining how Americans engage in conversations about politics. Instead of shouting across social media, Ed is bringing people together in person to debate complex issues with curiosity, humor, and respect.

Together, we explore:

* Why social media algorithms are creating separate realities

* How echo chambers shape the way we see politics

* Why disagreement doesn’t have to lead to division

* The importance of making civic engagement accessible and engaging

* How meaningful conversations can strengthen democracy

Whether you’re politically engaged or exhausted by today’s political climate, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to listen, challenge assumptions, and reconnect with people who think differently.

If this conversation made you think differently about politics, civic engagement, or the value of honest dialogue, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Subscribe to Like Nobody’s Business so you never miss an episode.

If you enjoyed this conversation, I’d be so grateful if you left a rating and review. Your support helps more people discover thoughtful conversations about leadership, business, and creating meaningful change.

Share this episode with someone who believes we need more conversations and fewer arguments.

Connect with Ed Manzi

* Instagram: @unmuted.fyi

* Website: unmuted.fyi

You can also follow me for more conversations on leadership, business, and building a life aligned with your values.

Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode of Like Nobody’s Business.

What if creating political change didn’t require running for office?

In this episode, I’m joined by Emily Anastasiou and Lily Patricof, two leaders helping redefine what civic engagement looks like for the next generation. Through organizations like Juno and The Next 50, they’re empowering women to become informed political donors, build meaningful community, and invest strategically in the leaders shaping our future.

Together, we explore:

* Why voting is only one part of civic participation

* How strategic giving can influence elections and public policy

* Why women remain underrepresented as political donors

* The importance of community, civic education, and respectful dialogue

* How local and state races can have an outsized impact on national politics

This conversation is a reminder that meaningful political participation isn’t reserved for candidates or career politicians. It’s available to anyone willing to show up, stay informed, and invest in the future they want to create.

Whether you’re politically engaged or simply wondering where to begin, this episode offers practical ways to make a difference beyond Election Day.

If this conversation inspired you to think differently about civic engagement and the role each of us can play in creating change, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Subscribe to Like Nobody’s Business so you never miss an episode.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a rating and review. Your support helps us reach more people who are ready to build stronger communities and create meaningful change.

Share this episode with a friend, colleague, or family member who’s looking for practical ways to get involved beyond voting.

Connect with Emily & Lily

Emily AnastasiouInstagram: @emilysantos_j

Lily PatricofInstagram: @lilypatricof