In this episode, Dave opens up about the toughest week of his campaign so far—and what it taught him about courage, criticism, and staying grounded when the spotlight turns harsh.

From getting publicly called out at a Democratic Club meeting to fielding attacks from both the far left and supporters of Israel, Dave shares what it’s really like to lead as a moderate in a polarized world. He also talks about the backlash he received for choosing family over photo ops—and why he’s unapologetic about showing up as a whole human, not just a candidate.

This one’s about leadership with backbone, building trust through transparency, and holding your values—even when it hurts.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• The emotional impact of public criticism on candidates
  

• Why being a moderate can feel isolating in polarized politics
  

• The role of family and personal boundaries in a campaign
  

• Navigating identity and values in the face of ideological attacks
  

• What authenticity in leadership really looks like
  

Connect with Dave Kerpen: www.davekerpen.com

Connect with Jess + Smart Podcast Solutions: www.smartpodcastsolutions.com