They aren't wearing suits. They're fitness influencers. 🏋️‍♀️📱 We investigate the rise of the "Lobbyist Next Door." We break down how corporations have moved billions from Washington backrooms to "Grasstops" campaigns—paying trusted local figures (doulas, moms, coaches) to push political agendas as if they were their own "authentic" opinions.

1. The "Micro-Lobbyist": We analyze the strategy. Why pay a politician when you can pay a neighbor? We explain how industries hire "Real People" to attend town halls and post on Instagram, bypassing the cynicism we feel toward traditional ads. We discuss the specific example of "Doulas" being paid to push policy, blurring the line between health advice and political advocacy.

2. Astroturfing 2.0: It looks like a movement; it’s a receipt. We expose the mechanics. We discuss the difference between "Grassroots" (real people) and "Astroturfing" (fake movements funded by corporations). We explain how "Persona Management Software" allows one person to control hundreds of fake social media accounts to create the illusion of a crowd.

3. The Canadian Solution: Who is watching the influencers? We explore the law. We discuss how Canada is leading the charge by requiring lobbyists to disclose any communication meant to influence officials, including social media posts. We ask: if an influencer is paid to change your vote, shouldn't they have to tell you?.

The full list of sources used to create this episode can be found on our Patreon under https://www.patreon.com/c/Morgrain