Spill the Goods

Did you know, NH has the lowest minimum wage in New England? And that, it hasn't changed in 17 years? In this episode, Jess Spillers and Cristina Goodwin discuss the critical issue of minimum wage in New Hampshire with guest, Rep. Kathy Staub. They explore the history, current state, and implications of minimum wage laws, examining the difference between a minimum wage and a livable age while emphasizing the need for advocacy and the positive economic impact a raise of the minimum wage would have on communities.

Takeaways

• Minimum wage advocacy importance
• Economic impact of wage increases

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Minimum Wage Advocacy
• 02:19 History of Minimum Wage in New Hampshire
• 04:41 Comparative Minimum Wage Analysis
• 06:04 Living Wage vs. Minimum Wage
• 08:24 The Exploitation of Workers
• 10:41 Impact on Small Businesses
• 12:09 Community Economic Health
• 14:25 Spending and Economic Circulation

References:

NH Fiscal Policy Institute: Living Expenses, Financial Vulnerability, and Poverty in New Hampshire Fact Sheet

MIT Living Wage Calculator: New Hampshire

Website: www.spillthegoods603.com

Warning, this episode contains discussion of murder and suicide some may find disturbing. Join Jess and Cristina for Part II of Dissecting a Porcupine, The Free State Project. Their discussion with former member, Amanda Bouldin, picks up where they left off, bringing to light the "Gold Standard" voting within the Free State Project. They also explore the tactics and strategies used by the Free Staters, and talk about how the alignment with the Republican party came about, and the sociopolitical dynamics within the movement. The discussion touches on the victimization of the Free State Project's own members, some of the more recent (troubling) headlines coming out of the party, and the importance of informed voting and humanizing individuals within the movement. They end by calling out the individuals running for office in Manchester this year as Democrats, who are actually members of the Free State Project.

Takeaways

• Free State Party's history and impact
• Gold Standard voting
• Free Staters weren't always this conservative
• GOP money backed Free Staters, causing a shift
• Free State Project members have been victimized and exploited by their own party
• The importance of informed voting
• Humanizing individuals within the Free State Project movement is the only way to get them out of the cult

Chapters

• 00:00 The Birth of the Free State Party
• 01:29 The Free State Project and Its Goals
• 03:27 The Free State Party's Influence on New Hampshire Politics
• 05:21 The Experience of a Former Free State Party Member
• 17:40 The Misalignment of Values and Political Affiliation
• 33:12 The Gold Standard and Party Politics
• 37:04 The Free State Project and New Hampshire Politics
• 44:33 Autism, Free State Project, and Sociopolitical Dynamics
• 58:33 Humanizing Individuals within the Free State Project Movement

Website: www.spillthegoods603.com

Meet current Representative for Ward Five, Kathy Staub! She's up for re-election this year and hoping you will send her back to Concord! In this episode, Kathy discusses her background, local ties, and political journey, emphasizing the importance of informed voting and the impact of state-level decisions on communities. She also highlights her advocacy for raising the minimum wage and the challenges faced in achieving this goal. The conversation covers a range of topics including local politics, housing issues, and the importance of a living wage. Kathy Staub discusses her concerns about the upcoming elections (including having a primary with a Free Stater), the challenges faced by renters, and the need for affordable housing.

Takeaways

• Community impact of state-level decisions
• Advocacy/importance for raising the minimum wage
• Local politics and elections
• Housing challenges and affordable housing

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Informed Voting
• 01:29 Local Ties and Political Journey
• 05:08 Advocacy for Raising the Minimum Wage
• 07:02 Challenges in Achieving Minimum Wage Increase
• 10:47 Political Landscape and Opponents
• 13:52 Local Politics and Elections
• 14:21 Housing Challenges and Affordable Housing
• 15:21 The Importance of a Living Wage

Representative Kathy Staub

Kathy Staub for NH State Representative

Mike Farley, a candidate running for state rep. in ward eight, shares his personal background, career, and views on Manchester and New Hampshire. He discusses the impact of property taxes, the need for fair taxation, and the importance of education. Mike shares his motivation for running, his experiences and background, and his plans for when he is elected to the State House. He emphasizes the need for engagement, support, and communication within the community, and shares personal insights and challenges.

Takeaways

• Community Representation
• Property Taxation
• Importance of Education
• Community Engagement
• Personal Resilience

Chapters

• 00:00 Personal Background and Career
• 03:23 Defending Manchester
• 04:46 Property Taxes and Fair Taxation
• 09:01 Adequate Education and Fairness
• 11:45 Community Engagement and Disenchantment
• 13:10 Personal Resilience and the American Dream
• 14:34 Political Engagement and Experience
• 18:12 Communication and Community Building

Website: https://mike4manchester.com/

Rob Snipes, a candidate for Hillsborough 40 (Manchester Wards 1, 3, 10, 11, and 12), shares his background, motivations, and platform for running for office. He discusses the importance of representation, the need for change in legislation, and the challenges faced by renters in the area. Rob emphasizes the value of engaging with the community and the significance of diverse voices in politics.

Takeaways

• Representation Matters
• Legislation Needs Change

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Rob Snipes
• 00:59 Motivations for Running
• 02:19 Platform and Priorities
• 03:19 Community Engagement and Challenges
• 05:22 Living in Manchester and Neighborhood Insights
• 09:13 Primary Election and Campaign Support
• 13:04 Youthful Perspectives in Politics
• 18:43 Light-hearted Questions

Website: www.rob4nh.com

The August BOMA meeting covered a range of topics, including public comments on ICE and MPD cooperation, requests for changes to police policies, the historic significance of Central High School, and staffing challenges at the tax collector's office. The meeting also addressed the potential use of the Arms Park area and the Water Works building. The Board of School Committee (BoSC) was also back in session-lots of updates, not a lot of action to be had, but a few things to watch out for as school heads back in session.

Takeaways

• ICE and MPD cooperation
• Requests for changes to police policies
• Historic significance of Central High School
• Staffing challenges at the tax collector's office
• The school board discussed attendance policies, budgeting, and school start times, with a focus on community engagement and support
• Community events like CelebratEd and Get Faded provide resources and support for families, emphasizing community engagement and collaboration

Chapters

• 00:00 Public Comments on ICE and MPD Cooperation
• 03:01 Requests for Changes to Police Policies
• 17:22 Historic Significance of Central High School
• 19:00 Staffing Challenges at the Tax Collector's Office
• 21:13 Workforce Management and Task-Based Work
• 24:55 MPD and ICE Deputization
• 31:14 School Board Meetings and Education Policy
• 43:37 Community Engagement and Support

Additional Resources/References:

Get Faded 4th Annual Free Hair Cuts

08/04/26 BoMA Agenda & Minutes

08/04/26 MPTV BoMA Recording

08/10/26 BoSC Minutes

08/10/26 BoSC Agenda

08/10/26 MPTV BoSC Recording

Heather Deiner, a candidate for State Representative in Hillsborough 25, shares her journey, priorities, and aspirations for New Hampshire politics. She emphasizes the importance of representing working-class issues and building a progressive movement.

Takeaways

• Progressive movement in New Hampshire politics
• Importance of representing working-class issues

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 01:32 Journey to Politics
• 02:29 Priorities for Concord
• 04:21 Primary Election and Progressive Values
• 05:41 Personal Insights and Aspirations
• 08:31 Community Engagement and Impact
• 09:27 Challenges and Growth in Politics
• 14:08 Fictional Character Beef

Website: https://heatherfornh.com/

Join Spill the Goods' Cristina Goodwin and Jess Spillers as they dissect the porcupine that is the Free State Project with Amanda Bouldin-one of its (many) former members. The conversation delves into the history and impact of the Free State Party, its alignment with libertarianism, and the experiences of former members. It also explores the challenges and contradictions within libertarian philosophy, as well as the political dynamics and strategies of Free Staters within the Democratic and Republican parties.

Takeaways

• Free State Party's history and alignment with libertarianism
• Challenges and contradictions within libertarian philosophy
• Political dynamics and strategies of Free Staters within the Democratic and Republican parties

Chapters

• 00:00 The Birth of the Free State Party
• 01:29 The Free State Project and Its Goals
• 03:27 The Influence of Free Staters in New Hampshire
• 05:50 Personal Experiences and Defection
• 07:16 The Impact of Libertarian Philosophy
• 17:40 Political Strategies and Dynamics
• 30:11 The Role of Free Staters in Political Parties
• 37:04 The Influence of the Free State Project on New Hampshire Politics
• 46:30 The Impact of Sociopathic Behavior within the Free State Project
• 01:06:29 Humanizing Individuals Associated with the Free State Project

Why I Left The Free State Cult by Amanda Bouldin

The Success-and Failures-of The Free State Project by Winter Trabex

FBI Raids Radio Talk Show Host's Home In Keene Sunday Morning: Residents Say Agents Conducting Child Porn Investigation by Mike Cronin, WMUR

In this special series, Jess and Cristina interview local Manchester residents running for State office. These are the folks you'll see on your ballot in November! Take a listen and decide for yourself!

Chrissy Simonds is running as a Democrat for NH State Representative in District 19/Ward 10. Chrissy has overcome domestic violence and homelessness to get her GED, raise two children as a single parent, and become a fierce advocate for herself and those she cares about. Chrissy successfully pushed for bussing for Kindergarten students. She brought voter education to a local transitional housing facility. Her lived experience is what sets her apart. The programs she will be voting on (Medicaid, housing, adult education), she has used and benefitted from herself.

Takeaways

• Overcoming adversity
• Advocacy for education and healthcare

Chapters

• 00:00 Personal Journey and Motivation
• 01:29 Challenges and Triumphs
• 04:26 Advocacy for Education
• 17:17 Healthcare and Advocacy
• 20:07 Running for Office and Advocacy

Website: www.chrissysimonds.org

Who are all these people? What is the DSA? Are they communists? Short answer-No! Democratic socialism is a distinct ideology separate from classic socialism and communism. Join Jess and Cristina as they explore the core principles and values of democratic socialism vs. socialism, communism, and democracy. The conversation contrasts the difference between a DSA candidate and a traditional democrat, what their priorities are and how they view the role of government. This episode also touches on the success of social democracy in other countries and the impact of meeting basic needs on social well-being. The episode ends on a hopeful note as they discuss the potential future of the Democratic Party, which feels bright due to the rise of the DSA.

Takeaways

• Democratic socialism is distinct from classic socialism and communism.
• Democratic socialism seeks economic equality within a democratic system.
• Democratic socialism emphasizes the welfare of citizens.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Democratic Socialism
• 01:17 Understanding Democratic Socialism
• 02:44 Comparison with Classic Socialism
• 04:38 Communism vs. Democratic Socialism
• 12:38 Democratic Socialism vs. Democracy
• 17:14 Nordic Countries and Social Democracy
• 18:13 Basic Needs and Social Well-being
• 19:12 Stress, Health, and Wellness
• 20:12 Political Parties and Third-Party Candidates
• 27:04 Money in Politics and Campaign Funding
• 32:30 The Future of the Democratic Party

References

The Democratic Socialists of America

The Differences Between Socialism and Communism by Robert Longley

Pennsylvania Railroad Company by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Andrew Carnegie by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

J. P. Morgan by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Elon Musk's US Department of Defense Contracts by Reuters (02/11/25)

Amazon to Invest Up to Another $25 Billion In Anthropic as Part of AI Infrastructure Deal by Ashley Capoot, CNBC (04/20/26)

The World Happiness Report by Gallup Analytics

List of Third-Party and Independent Performances in United States Presidential Elections by Wikipedia

Shaheen Announces Support for Medicare for All Act, Press Release Sen. Shaheen's Office, 09/13/17