This week’s episode of Sage Against The Machine Podcast was one of the most important conversations we’ve had yet.

Dr. Bob Leonard and I sat down with Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart to discuss the future of Iowa politics, rebuilding trust with working-class voters, and what it will take for Democrats to compete again in every corner of the state.

One thing stood out throughout our conversation: winning starts with listening.

Rita talked about rebuilding the Iowa Democratic Party from the ground up, recruiting strong candidates, opening field offices across the state, investing in organizers, and meeting voters where they are instead of assuming they already agree with us. She made it clear that the goal isn’t simply to win elections; it’s to earn back the trust of Iowans who have felt ignored or left behind for far too long.

We also tackled one of the biggest questions facing Iowa Democrats: how do you win back independents and former Republicans? As someone who spent years as an independent before running for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat, that’s a question I care deeply about. The answer isn’t slogans or talking points. It’s listening to people’s frustrations, addressing the issues that affect their daily lives, and proving through action that government can work for working families again.

Later in the show, Dr. Bob and I discussed several national stories that we believe deserve more scrutiny, including renewed tensions with Iran, controversy surrounding President Donald Trump’s handling of criticism over the White House reflecting pool, and Todd Blanche’s confirmation as Attorney General. These conversations centered on accountability, transparency, and the need for government to stay focused on solving problems instead of creating new distractions.

We also discussed reporting from Iowa Starting Line concerning Representative Ashley Hinson, campaign donations, and questions surrounding the release of information connected to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. During the podcast, I expressed strong frustration over what I believe should be greater transparency and accountability from elected officials, while emphasizing that protecting children and holding powerful people accountable should never be a partisan issue.

If there’s one message I hope listeners took away from this episode, it’s that none of us can afford to sit on the sidelines anymore.

Politics isn’t a spectator sport. If you want lower costs, honest government, better schools, stronger rural communities, or leaders who actually listen, it starts with getting involved. Volunteer for a campaign. Register people to vote. Knock on doors. Have conversations with your neighbors. Democracy only works when everyday people participate.

That’s exactly what the Sage Against The Machine Podcast is about, giving working-class Americans a voice and having honest conversations that too often get ignored.

I hope you’ll give Episode 10 a listen. Whether you agree with us or disagree, the conversation matters. And Iowa’s future depends on more people being willing to have it.

This week on Sage Against the Machine, Dr. Bob Leonard and I were joined by Jerrad Christian, Democratic nominee for Ohio’s 12th Congressional District, for a conversation about what it really means to fight for working-class Americans.

Jerrad shared his journey from serving in the U.S. Navy to working a variety of jobs before becoming a software engineer and congressional candidate. We talked about why he decided to run, the challenges facing working families, and why he believes everyday people deserve representatives who answer to voters, not corporate donors.

After the interview, we covered several headlines, including former President Barack Obama’s endorsement of Josh Turek for the U.S. Senate and the exciting news that Lindsay James was added to the DCCC’s Red to Blue program, signaling that Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District is a race to watch in 2026.

I also shared my thoughts after attending Rob Sand’s town hall in Carlisle and why I believe leaders willing to answer tough questions are exactly what Iowa needs.

Finally, in this week’s “What’s Making Nathan Cuss?” segment, I discussed the Senate hearing involving Dr. Anthony Fauci and why I believe political theater shouldn’t distract us from the real issues facing working families across America.

A huge thank you to Jerrad Christian for joining us and to everyone who continues to watch, listen, and share the podcast. Your support helps us keep speaking truth to power and fighting for the voices too often ignored.

We’ll see you next episode.

This week’s episode of the Sage Against The Machine Podcast, Dr. Bob Leonard and I were joined by Iowa State Senator Catelin Drey to talk about the issues that are hitting working-class Iowans every single day, from healthcare and affordability to the future of public education and rural communities.

Senator Drey shared her personal journey after being diagnosed with uterine cancer and how that experience strengthened her commitment to fighting for better healthcare access. Even with good insurance and access to quality care, she still faced thousands of dollars in medical costs. It’s a reminder that too many Americans are one diagnosis away from financial hardship.

We also talked about women’s healthcare, struggling rural hospitals, and what Democrats need to do to reconnect with working-class and rural voters. One message came through loud and clear: people aren’t looking for politicians to lecture them, they want leaders who will listen.

Another major part of our conversation focused on what Senator Drey sees as a growing effort to privatize public services in Iowa. From healthcare and public education to local government, we discussed what happens when essential services are treated like businesses instead of public investments and who ends up paying the price.

After the interview, Dr. Bob and I discussed Iowa Democrats losing first-in-the-nation caucus status and what that means for the future of the party in Iowa. We also wrapped up the show with Why Nathan Cusses, where I talked about Congressman Zach Nunn criticizing campaign trackers. Accountability comes with running for office. If you’re asking for the public’s vote, the public has every right to watch what you’re doing.

Thank you to Senator Catelin Drey for joining us and to everyone who continues to support the Sage Against The Machine Podcast. If you haven’t listened yet, I hope you’ll check out the episode and join the conversation.

We’ll be back Thursday at 5:00 PM Central with Democratic congressional candidate Jerrad Christian from Ohio’s 12th District. Until then, keep asking questions, stay engaged, and never stop fighting for the working class.

This week on the Sage Against The Machine Podcast, Dr. Bob Leonard and I sat down with Democratic candidate for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Chris Jones for one of the most important conversations we’ve had so far.

Chris didn’t come on the show to deliver political talking points. He came to talk about the reality facing Iowa, our water quality, the future of family farms, and why so many rural communities continue to struggle.

We discussed how decades of failed policies have left too many Iowans frustrated with polluted water, disappearing small farms, and an agricultural system that often benefits large corporations more than the people who actually live and work here. Chris shared his vision for improving water quality, expanding local food production, strengthening family farms through diversification, and holding pesticide applicators accountable.

After the interview, Dr. Bob and I broke down several headlines making news this week, including the Trump administration’s proposed nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, new reports showing more Iowa women traveling out of state for abortion care, and the continued rise in ICE detentions across Iowa.

As always, we wrapped up the show by calling out the political distractions that keep Iowans focused on culture wars instead of the issues that affect their daily lives, health care, affordability, clean water, and the future of our communities.

If you haven’t listened yet, I hope you’ll give Episode 7 a listen. I believe it’s one of our most important conversations yet because it focuses on what really matters: fighting for working-class Iowans and building a stronger future for our state.

On Episode 6 of Sage Against The Machine, Dr. Bob Leonard and I sat down with Adam Peters, Democratic candidate for Iowa House District 97, and I’ll be honest, this was one of those conversations that reminds me exactly why we started this podcast.

Adam didn’t come on the show with polished talking points or the usual political script. He came on with passion, honesty, and a clear understanding of what working people in Iowa are dealing with every single day.

From the start, Adam talked about growing up in Iowa, attending public schools, and wanting to fight for clean water, strong public education, affordable healthcare, and working families. But what stood out most to me was that he wasn’t pretending to have all the answers. He was speaking from lived experience, the same kind of experience so many Iowans are carrying right now.

One moment in particular hit home for me. Adam talked about how we need to stop treating politics like a team sport and start asking a simple question: who is actually prioritizing us?

That’s the kind of conversation we need more of in this state. Not blind loyalty to a party. Not endless tribalism. Real conversations about healthcare, wages, education, childcare, clean water, and whether the people asking for our vote are actually trying to make our lives better.

Dr. Bob Leonard brought his usual thoughtful perspective to the conversation, especially when we talked about the larger structural problems facing Iowa and the country. Together, we dug into what authentic leadership looks like, why working-class voices are missing from too many rooms, and why listening matters just as much as speaking.

What I appreciated most about Adam Peters is that he didn’t sound like someone chasing the next political title. He sounded like someone who genuinely wants to serve his community and make Iowa better for the people who live here.

That’s what Sage Against The Machine is about. Honest conversations. Speaking truth to power. And giving working people a place where politics doesn’t have to feel fake, scripted, or disconnected from real life.

Episode 6 is one I’m proud of. If you’re tired of the usual political noise and want to hear a real conversation about Iowa, working families, and the future of this state, give it a listen.

New episodes of Sage Against The Machine drop every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:00 PM.

A brand-new episode of Sage Against The Machine is now available.

Host Nathan Sage is joined by co-hosts Dr. Bob Leonard and Spencer Dirks for an in-depth conversation with Ryan Peterman, Democratic candidate for Iowa Secretary of State.

Peterman discusses what inspired him to run for statewide office, explains the critical role the Secretary of State plays in Iowa elections, and shares his concerns about voter data privacy and election transparency. He also reflects on his service in the U.S. Navy and how those experiences shaped his commitment to public service.

The episode also dives into some of the biggest stories making headlines this week, including the fatal ICE shooting in Maine, ongoing questions surrounding Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and the Department of Justice, and the viral Cedar Rapids protest arrest that has sparked renewed calls for police accountability in Iowa.

In this week’s “What’s Making Nathan Cuss?” segment, Nathan asks a question many Iowans have been asking for years: Why isn’t marijuana legal in Iowa yet? He discusses the economic opportunities the state is leaving on the table while neighboring states generate tax revenue, create jobs, and regulate legal cannabis.

The show wraps up with a look ahead to next week’s guests: Adam Peters, Democratic candidate for Iowa House District 97, on Tuesday, followed by Chris Jones, candidate for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, on Thursday.

New episodes of Sage Against The Machine premiere every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:00 p.m. Be sure to subscribe, like, comment, and share to help bring honest conversations to more working people across Iowa and beyond.

One of the biggest reasons I started Sage Against The Machine was to have the conversations that too often get ignored by the political establishment. Episode 4 was exactly that.

Dr. Bob Leonard and I sat down with former Iowa House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst for an honest discussion about what it really takes to run for office, why so many working-class people are shut out of politics, and what has to change if we want government to work for everyday Americans again.

We had a candid conversation about something we both know personally, how difficult fundraising has become and how today’s political system gives an advantage to candidates with wealthy donors and Super PACs instead of grassroots support. We also talked about what the Iowa Democratic Party needs to do to reconnect with rural and working-class voters and what gives Jennifer hope for Iowa’s future.

In our Headlines That Matter segment, we discussed Senator Lindsey Graham’s political legacy, President Trump’s renewed military action against Iran and the ongoing debate over war powers, and Pete Buttigieg’s visit to Iowa for the Iowa Democratic Party’s Liberty & Justice Celebration.

Then came my weekly “What’s Making Nathan Cuss?” segment, where I asked a simple question: If working people can’t afford to run for office, who exactly is government supposed to represent?

These are the conversations I believe we need to have if we’re serious about rebuilding trust in our democracy and putting working people back at the center of politics.

Thanks for watching, listening, and supporting Sage Against The Machine. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe, share the show with someone you know, and we’ll see you next time for Episode 5.

Episode 3 of the Sage Against the Machine Podcast featured former congressional candidate J.D. Scholten for an in-depth conversation about the future of rural Iowa, working families, and why he continues to fight for Northwest Iowa. Nathan was joined by co-hosts Dr. Bob Leonard and, making his debut on the show, Spencer Dirks, as the podcast continues its mission of bringing honest conversations to working people.

J.D. discussed his journey to public service, the political changes taking place across Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, and what he’s hearing from voters in rural communities. The conversation also explored agriculture, small-town challenges, the future of the Democratic Party in rural Iowa, and why he remains optimistic about Iowa’s future.

In Headlines That Matter, the team discussed the uncertainty surrounding Senate leadership following Mitch McConnell’s hospitalization, the impact of Iowa losing nearly 17% of its USDA workforce on farmers across the state, and several Iowa political stories making headlines.

Nathan closed the episode with “What’s Making Nathan Cuss?”, focusing on how Medicaid cuts are putting additional pressure on rural hospitals and healthcare providers, arguing that every Iowan deserves access to affordable healthcare close to home, regardless of where they live.

Thank you for listening to Episode 3 of the Sage Against the Machine Podcast. Be sure to subscribe, like, share, and follow so you never miss an episode.

Episode 2 of Sage Against The Machine was about more than politics, it was about the people who have to live with the decisions politicians make every day.

I sat down with State Representative and Democratic congressional candidate Lindsay James to talk about why she’s running for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District and what she’s hearing from folks across Northeast Iowa. We talked about the cost of living, health care, rural communities, and why too many working families feel like Washington has stopped listening.

We also broke down some of the biggest stories in the news, including the Trump administration’s expanded immigration crackdown and the new Iowa laws that are already affecting people across our state.

I didn’t hold back when it came to the sexual assault allegations against Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner. It doesn’t matter what party you’re in, if you want to lead, you should be held to a higher standard.

And in this week’s “What’s Making Nathan Cuss?” I asked a simple question: When did common sense become partisan? Working people don’t care who gets the political win. They want roads fixed, farmers supported, veterans respected, and health care they can afford. That’s not a Republican idea or a Democratic idea. It’s just common sense.

If you’re tired of the noise and want real conversations about the issues that matter, give Episode 2 a watch. Thanks for being part of this growing community. We’re just getting started.

After months on the campaign trail, countless conversations with Iowans, and a growing belief that working people deserve honest political discussions without the spin, Sage Against The Machine is officially here.

In our debut episode, Nathan Sage is joined by Dr. Bob Leonard to launch a new podcast that airs twice a week, featuring honest conversations about the issues that matter most to everyday Americans, not political insiders.

Our first guest is U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek, who shares his journey into public service, his vision for Iowa and the country, and why he believes now is the time to step forward and lead. The conversation also reflects on America’s 250th anniversary, the biggest challenges facing Iowa families, and the issues shaping the future of our nation.

We also break down some of the biggest headlines of the week, including the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision striking down limits on coordinated campaign spending, the growing gap between positive economic reports and the financial realities facing working families, Iowa’s increasing energy demands from data centers, and the closure of Planned Parenthood’s Iowa City location.

Then Nathan debuts a new weekly segment, “What’s Making Nathan Cuss?” This week’s rant takes on the growing influence of big money in politics and why fundraising has become one of the biggest obstacles for candidates who simply want to serve their communities.

Thank you to everyone who watched, listened, shared, and supported our first episode. This podcast exists to have real conversations, ask tough questions, and give working people a voice in the political discussion.

We’ll be back on Tuesday, July 7, at 5:00 p.m. with our next guest, District 2 congressional candidate Lindsay James.

If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe, follow the show, and share the podcast with someone who’s ready for a different kind of political conversation.

Welcome to Sage Against The Machine. We’re just getting started.