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Cheryl Smith brings a refreshing perspective to politics after dedicating 38 years to educating Virginia's children. In this candid conversation, she shares what compelled her to run for Virginia's 98th District Delegate seat after decades in the classroom.

Growing up in a military family during the Vietnam War shaped Smith's worldview profoundly. While her father served overseas for nine months at a time, she was raised by what she calls "a community of women" who supported each other through difficult times. This early experience of solidarity forms the foundation of her political philosophy today—rebuilding community connections in an increasingly divided society.

Smith's decision to challenge incumbent Barry Knight came after learning about three critical constitutional amendments needing protection: reproductive rights, marriage equality, and restoration of voting rights. "No one was running," she explains, "so my family told me, 'Mom, you need to do it.'"

Throughout our discussion, Smith articulates her six-plank platform with passionate clarity. Her advocacy for veterans stems from her own family's military service, while her commitment to education addresses not just classroom issues but the family stability essential for learning. When discussing reproductive freedom, she moves beyond polarized abortion debates to highlight women's healthcare access as a fundamental right.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Smith reveals what she's learned from firefighters on the campaign trail—including inadequate cancer screenings despite constant exposure to carcinogens and limited mental health support despite high suicide rates. "They keep our cities alive," she says with visible emotion, "and we're not doing better by them."

Whether discussing affordable housing, environmental protection for flood-prone Virginia Beach, or her unequivocal support for marriage equality, Smith speaks with the practical wisdom of someone who's spent a lifetime helping others thrive. "A donation to my campaign," she concludes, "is not a gift to me—it's an investment in us."

Join us for this eye-opening conversation with a candidate who brings decades of community service to her first political campaign.

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Comedian Kells Morton steps away from her 25-year military career to pursue her original dream of entertainment in this fascinating conversation about second acts and finding your voice. As she prepares for retirement, Kells reveals how she's transforming decades of leadership experience into comedy gold on stages across the country.

With refreshing candor, Kells shares the surprising truth about her battle with severe performance anxiety before shows. "I was at Marietta Martin Center for Performing Arts in Raleigh... 600 plus people, and I was dying inside. I didn't eat a morsel that day," she confesses. This vulnerability behind the confident persona adds depth to understanding her journey from military officer to rising comedian.

The episode explores Kells' comedy inspirations, from Richard Pryor and Red Foxx to Dave Chappelle (whom she flew to Charlotte just to see perform). Her appreciation for female trailblazers like Wanda Sykes and Luenell reflects her understanding of comedy history and those who've paved the way. Kells also discusses her approach to handling hecklers, the therapeutic value of comedy in society, and how she used humor as a leadership tool during military deployments.

Beyond stand-up, Kells is expanding into acting with roles in short films and the upcoming feature "Deadly Obsession 2." Her ambitious goals include performing at legendary venues like Laugh Factory LA and Second City Chicago, driven by her philosophy of competing only against yesterday's version of herself. Through family stories, military experiences, and a refreshingly positive outlook on the changing comedy landscape, Kells demonstrates why she's quickly gaining attention on the comedy circuit.

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When politicians fall in love with money instead of people, what happens to the dreams and aspirations of ordinary citizens? Merle Rutledge Jr., a Norfolk State University graduate and former gubernatorial candidate for Virginia, joins us to share his vision for a political system that prioritizes people over partisanship.

Rutledge doesn't mince words about what he sees as the fundamental problem in today's political landscape: leaders who are more concerned with fundraising and special interests than addressing the struggles of everyday Virginians. "I can't talk to politicians that no longer speak to me unless I pay $1,000 for a plate," he observes, highlighting the growing disconnect between elected officials and their constituents.

With refreshing candor, Rutledge outlines his innovative solutions to revitalize Virginia's economy and communities. His "Family Business Act" aims to cut red tape for home-based entrepreneurs and create pathways for talented young people—especially in underserved communities—to build wealth through business ownership rather than being forced exclusively into traditional educational routes. He passionately argues that academically gifted students who receive substantial scholarships should have the option to invest in their own businesses, potentially becoming "millionaires on the day of graduation."

Most boldly, Rutledge proposes eliminating state and local taxes entirely by tapping into Virginia's natural resources, expanding its ports to create thousands of jobs, and establishing more direct supply chains to reduce consumer costs. "We have so many different sources of revenue that don't have to come off the taxpayers' back," he explains, positioning himself as a champion for working-class Virginians struggling with inflation and stagnant wages.

Whether you lean left, right, or somewhere in between, Rutledge's message challenges listeners to look beyond party affiliations and consider which candidates actually address the economic realities facing ordinary families. Follow Rutledge's continuing political journey as he runs a write-in campaign offering Virginians an alternative to what he calls "legacy politicians" from both major parties.

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What does it take to transform a community from the ground up? Councilman Michael Berlucci opens a window into local governance that few get to see, sharing the daily work that shapes Virginia Beach's District 3 and beyond.

After nearly six years serving his diverse community, Berlucci reveals how his journey from passionate volunteer to city councilman has shaped his understanding of effective public service. "We all need to be represented. We want to see ourselves in the government that serves us," he explains, highlighting the importance of diversity in leadership. As both an elected official and the newly appointed CEO of Arts Alliance, Berlucci brings a unique perspective on how creative expression can revitalize neighborhoods and bridge divides.

The conversation takes us behind the scenes of city management, from budget priorities (with education claiming half the city's resources) to constituent services that rarely make headlines but profoundly impact residents' lives. Berlucci's pride in helping underserved communities like Scarborough Square and securing improvements at the Animal Control Center reveals how seemingly small victories create meaningful change.

Perhaps most inspiring is the story of Mount Trashmore—the world's first municipal waste dump converted to a public park—located right in District 3. "If we can turn this dump into a park that becomes all this, there's no limit to what we can achieve," Berlucci shares, capturing the transformative spirit that guides his approach to public service.

Want to get involved in shaping Virginia Beach's future? Berlucci encourages citizens to attend upcoming budget hearings on April 16th and 22nd, or consider serving on one of the city's many boards and commissions by visiting virginiabeachgov.com to learn more about these opportunities.

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RamIn Fatehi, Commonwealth Attorney for the city of Norfolk in Virginia, shares his unique journey from a privileged upbringing as the son of Iranian-American parents to becoming a prosecutor dedicated to reforming a flawed system. His contrarian nature and experiences with prejudice from both sides led him to pursue a career where he could address the inequality he witnessed firsthand.

• Son of a neurosurgeon and nurse who emphasized service as a family value
• Left a high-paying civil law career to become a public defender because he felt he was "increasing human misery"
• Witnessed firsthand how wealth and connections create two different justice systems
• Openly acknowledges historical issues including slave patrol origins of policing and prosecutor misconduct
• Uses data rather than fear to drive prosecution decisions
• Reduced Norfolk homicides from 63 to 37 and cut jail population by nearly half
• Views successful criminal justice reform as addressing root causes through education, jobs, and neighborhood investment
• Concerns about potential crime increases if social investment decreases and mass incarceration returns

Vote in the primary election on June 17th, with early voting beginning on May 2nd. The work of progressive prosecution is too important to go backwards to the old ways.

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Support the show

Do us a favor and like, comment, share, and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. To see the full video on YouTube go to Listen Up with Host Al Neely

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Al Neely and Tina Jenkins explore how immigration discourse disproportionately focuses on Latino immigrants while ignoring significant migration from countries like China and India, and how fear-based policies threaten America's economic stability.

• Media coverage of immigration overwhelmingly focuses on Hispanic immigrants crossing the Mexican border
• Chinese immigration and property purchases receive different political framing and treatment
• Mass deportation would severely impact housing, healthcare, agriculture, and construction sectors
• Only 1-3% of undocumented immigrants are criminals, despite political rhetoric painting them as threats
• Legal immigration pathways are prohibitively complex, expensive, and time-consuming 
• Fear-based campaign tactics exploit racial and economic anxieties to gain political support
• Indiscriminate detention methods have resulted in American citizens being detained simply for speaking Spanish
• Different protest approaches among minority communities reflect varying relationships with American identity

Please hit the subscribe button to get future episodes as they become available.

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A third-grade teacher with a passion for change is stepping into the political arena. Justin Burns, Virginia Beach native and special education inclusion teacher, shares his journey and vision as a candidate for Virginia State Delegate representing District 100—a diverse area encompassing Northwestern Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore counties of Accomac and Northampton.

Burns speaks candidly about what drove him to run: deep concern for children's futures, particularly regarding education funding, healthcare access, and economic opportunity. His firsthand classroom experience informs his urgent warning about potential federal education cuts that would devastate special education programs and widen the gap between affluent and low-income communities. "It would be a revert back to really the Jim Crow era...maybe not so much in as of race, but socioeconomically," Burns explains, highlighting how his district's Eastern Shore communities—where median household income falls $36,000 below the state average—would suffer most.

The conversation delves into the affordable housing crisis gripping the Eastern Shore, where both workforce and family housing options are scarce. Burns advocates for developer incentives to build more accessible housing, understanding the ripple effects on employment, transportation, and community stability. Environmental challenges also feature prominently in his platform, with the district's coastal geography making rising sea levels and sustainable development urgent priorities for residents bordering both the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.

As a young candidate in a Republican-leaning district, Burns brings an organizer's mindset to a challenging political landscape. Rather than shying away from difficult conversations, he's meeting voters where they are—even Republican farmers concerned about vanishing agricultural grants. His approach focuses on finding common ground around shared priorities: family success, quality education, environmental protection, and economic stability. "At the end of the day, we all want the same things," Burns reflects, demonstrating the bridge-building approach he believes can overcome political polarization.

Visit BurnsForVirginia.com to learn more about his campaign, volunteer opportunities, and where Justin will be meeting with voters throughout District 100. Your engagement matters in shaping Virginia's future!

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What if the Black Manosphere, meant to be a sanctuary for open dialogue, mirrors the broader manosphere's darker themes? On this episode of the Listen Up Podcast, I, Al Neely, tackle the nuanced and often controversial dynamics within the Black Manosphere. We unravel the layers of societal struggles and survival mentalities that have shaped narratives within the black community, leading to the development of damaging stereotypes about black men and women. Our discussion shines a light on how figures like Joe Rogan and Candace Owens have influenced these spaces, and why young black men are drawn to these forums seeking connection and validation amidst limited opportunities for expression and growth. 

As we explore the complexities of this community, we confront the harsh realities of toxic influencers who exploit these platforms, spreading messages that fuel self-hatred and misogyny, overshadowing the potential for positive discourse. By reflecting on the systemic challenges the black community faces, from socioeconomic disparities to generational trauma, we emphasize the vital role of meaningful relationships and mental health awareness. Drawing inspiration from historical figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we navigate the ongoing issues of inequality and the necessity for healing and empowerment. Join me for a critical examination of these deep-rooted issues and a forward-looking exploration of potential pathways to change.

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What if the shifting tides in education policy could reshape the future of our classrooms? Join Tina Jenkins and me, Al Neely, as we tackle the pressing questions surrounding the educational landscape under the new administration. We explore the potential impact of executive orders on funding for special needs and Title I students, despite the protective barriers set by Congress-approved budgets. You'll discover why Title I funding is a lifeline for many communities and how recent shifts in financial priorities resonate across diverse groups, touching both those who backed the administration and those who didn't.

In our discussion, we uncover the historical and ongoing challenges faced by minority communities in America, drawing attention to systemic issues of racism and discrimination. From the experiences of Japanese, Chinese, Hispanic, and Black communities to the biases in our educational curricula, we highlight how underfunding can perpetuate inequalities. Our conversation stresses the importance of political engagement, especially when nearly half the nation refrains from voting, and we underscore how local and state governance often holds the keys to equitable education.

Finally, we navigate the complexities of political manipulation and media influence on education policy. From the portrayal of minority communities in the media to the ongoing debate over parental rights versus educational expertise, we delve into the delicate balance required. The episode closes with a look at the intersection of religion and education, emphasizing the critical need to maintain the separation of church and state to ensure a fair and inclusive environment for all students. Tune in for a comprehensive exploration of these vital issues, and gain fresh insights into how political and media landscapes are shaping the education system today.

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