The Blue Dot Podcast

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The post-election glow is still going strong! This week on The Blue Dot Podcast, Natalie and Brian Koehl break down the 2026 "blue tsunami" across Kentucky and the nation, look ahead to the 2027 governor's race, and unpack a wild week of White House shakeups and tech espionage scandals.

In this episode:

• Kentucky & National Midterm Wins: Democrats flipped 10 Republican-held seats in Kentucky, shifted all 120 counties blue, and secured majorities in both the U.S. House and Senate—plus an early look at the 2027 KY gubernatorial primary between Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and Rocky Adkins.
• Trump World’s Post-Election Shakeup: Trump focuses on vanity projects, replaces Chief of Staff Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller, and threatens House Democrats over upcoming oversight investigations.
• Pete Hegseth’s Veterans Day Scandal: A U.S. Army sentinel reprimands the Defense Secretary at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by Rep. Thomas Massie’s failed impeachment vote (and the 11 Democrats who missed it).
• Nvidia’s Espionage Twist: Breaking down CEO Jensen Huang’s admitted affair with a Chinese businesswoman tied to Megaspeed—and the intelligence warnings about AI chip exports that the Trump administration ignored.

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In this episode of the Blue Dot Podcast, hosts Natalie and Brian return following the elections with a renewed focus on community leaders building a better future for Kentucky.

They are joined by Rachel Belin (Managing Partner of the Kentucky Student Voice Team, or KSVT) and Nate Reeves (Scott County High School senior and KSVT Policy Coordinator) to discuss how Kentucky students are claiming a real seat at the table in education policy and advocacy.

Discover how KSVT operates as an intergenerationally sustained, youth-led organization where students act as co-researchers, policy analysts, and storytellers. Rachel and Nate share insights into student compensation, day-to-day policy work, and KSVT's latest initiative—the Responsible Technology Student Voice Lab—which explores how artificial intelligence is shaping classroom learning, student well-being, and the digital divide across urban and rural Kentucky.

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What a week! Natalie is joined by Kenton County Democratic Party Chair Danielle Bell to break down the 2026 midterm election results, from major Democratic wins across the country to important shifts right here in Kentucky and Northern Kentucky.

Natalie and Danielle dig into Aaron Curran’s big victory in Kentucky’s 65th House District, Democratic gains in the Kentucky General Assembly, increasingly competitive races across Kenton County, and what the numbers reveal about the opportunities ahead.

They also look nationally at Democratic gains in Congress and governors’ races and discuss what these results could mean for governing, accountability, and the political landscape heading toward 2027 and 2028.

Most importantly, the conversation turns to what comes next: increasing voter turnout, recruiting strong candidates, keeping voters engaged between elections, holding local and state government accountable, and continuing to build Democratic momentum throughout Kenton County.

The election may be over, but the work is just getting started.

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With Election Day just four days away, Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl return for the Blue Dot Podcast’s final weekly roundup before November 3. They discuss surging early voter turnout, why Democrats appear to have momentum heading into the election, and why now is the time to vote, not become complacent.

The conversation then turns to a series of recent political controversies in Northern Kentucky. Natalie and Brian examine efforts by the Kenton County Republican Party to challenge a grassroots citizens group opposing the Site Readiness Initiative (SRI), arguing that residents should be free to voice concerns about development in their communities. They also discuss Republican criticism of a Campbell County Democratic get-out-the-vote event and what they see as a broader pattern of political attacks and intimidation.

The hosts take a closer look at campaign finance in Kentucky House District 65, contrasting grassroots fundraising with large PAC and corporate donations, and explore how outside money continues to shape local races. They also weigh in on negative campaign tactics, national political messaging, and a headline-making controversy from Ohio’s gubernatorial race.

As the campaign enters its final days, Natalie and Brian reflect on whether this election has become a referendum on decency, civic engagement, and whose voices are being heard. Their message is simple: make a plan, cast your ballot, and make your voice count.

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In this episode, Brian talks about the importance of voting, how to make a voting plan, and the impact of midterm elections on local and national policies. He emphasizes the significance of every vote and provides practical tips for voters to participate effectively, as well as talking points that Democratic voters can share to encourage others to participate in exercising their voice.

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In this episode of the Blue Dot Podcast's 2026 Changemaker Candidate Conversation Series, hosts Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl sit down with William Whalen, Democratic candidate for Kentucky House District 64. A fourth-generation union worker, IBEW electrician, and Independence resident, Whalen shares the experiences and values that motivated his decision to run for office.

Whalen discusses the importance of listening to constituents, expanding working-class representation in Frankfort, and addressing issues such as healthcare affordability, infrastructure, education, and government accountability. He reflects on how policies affecting organized labor, along with recent statewide ballot initiatives that he believes were ignored by lawmakers, inspired him to enter the race.

The conversation explores Whalen's priorities, including improving communication between elected officials and residents through regular town halls, supporting term limits for state legislators, and advocating for policies that strengthen Kentucky's workforce. He emphasizes his commitment to representing all constituents, regardless of political affiliation, and approaching problems with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset.

The episode concludes with information about voter engagement, upcoming election dates, and ways residents can connect with the campaign and get involved in the democratic process.

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Sarah Cole McIntosh is the Democratic candidate for Kentucky State Senate District 36. She joins Brian to make her case for the Senate position in the final days before the midterms. 

In this episode, Sarah shares her motivations for running for Kentucky State Senate, discusses the complexities of property tax reform, and explores issues like healthcare, education funding, and housing affordability in Kentucky. Sarah's Republican opponent is an incumbent who has held the Senate seat for 10 years.

We're making sure voters have the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking to represent them because informed voters build stronger communities!

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In this episode of the Blue Dot Podcast's 2026 Changemakers Candidate Conversation Series, Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl sit down with Ben Bach, Democratic candidate for Kenton County Commissioner in District 2. A lifelong Kenton County resident, cloud engineer, and community advocate, Ben shares the personal experiences and values that inspired him to enter public service for the first time.

The conversation explores some of the most pressing issues facing Southern Kenton County, including the controversial Site Readiness Initiative (SRI), housing affordability, smart growth, infrastructure, and government transparency. Ben discusses the importance of ethical leadership, community engagement, and restoring trust between local government and residents. He also outlines his vision for responsible development that balances economic growth with long-term community needs.

Throughout the interview, Ben emphasizes listening to constituents, promoting open dialogue, and ensuring that county government works for the people it serves. If you're interested in the future of Kenton County and the local leaders seeking to shape it, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

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In this episode of the Blue Dot Podcast's Change Maker Candidate Conversation Series, hosts Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl sit down with Wilann Stangel, Democratic candidate for Kentucky House District 69. A retired educator and library media specialist, Stangle discusses what motivated her to run for office, sharing concerns about the direction of government, the impact of political decisions on everyday Kentuckians, and the importance of restoring responsive leadership.

The conversation explores issues affecting Northern Kentucky families, including rising grocery and housing costs, education funding, SNAP benefit reductions, healthcare access, and economic development. Stangle shares her vision for a more connected and accountable state government, emphasizing the need for elected officials who actively engage with their communities and represent the interests of all constituents.

The episode also highlights the importance of local elections, voter participation, and civic engagement, with practical information on voting options and upcoming community efforts to encourage voter turnout. Whether you're interested in Kentucky politics, public policy, or learning more about the candidates seeking to represent your community, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

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Brant Owens is the Democratic candidate running for Campbell County Commissioner District 3. He joins Brian to make his case for the County Commissioner office in the final weeks before the midterms. 

Brant is a lifelong Campbell County resident who currently and a certified financial planner with over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. From his time on the campaign trail, Brant has determined that most people don't know what a county commissioner does. His goal is to bring more exposure and transparency to the role and ensure that Campbell County residents are well-informed and have a voice in County affairs. 

We're making sure voters have the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking to represent them because informed voters build stronger communities.