What if you could vote on the same bills as your legislators — right now, for free? That’s exactly what the Digital Democracy Project has built, and this week Molly sits down with Sadie Holzmeyer, the woman helping take it national.

Sadie grew up in rural Indiana as a self-described cynical non-voter. A college conversation about a local utility company sparked her interest in climate, which led her to policy, then politics, then the Sunrise Movement — and eventually to packing up her life and moving to Florida to organize on the ground for DDP. She rose from Field Director to Executive Director of the Florida Chapter, and now serves as National Organizing Director as DDP expands across the country in 2025.

In this episode, Molly and Sadie break down:

* What the Digital Democracy Project actually is (and how it works, step by step)

* How voters get verified and cast advisory votes on 100+ pieces of pending federal legislation

* Why verification matters — and why legislators can’t dismiss the data

* Real bills on the platform right now: impeachment resolutions, the Save America Act, war powers, government surveillance, and more

* How DDP generates scorecards comparing how legislators voted vs. how their constituents wanted them to vote

* What it looks like when this scales — and why power in numbers is the whole point

“It doesn’t require any permission from our government. We don’t have to wait for some law to be passed or for the next election. We can do this right now.”

“We’ve embraced technology in every way except for the ways that impact our life the most. You can get a car or a pizza to show up without saying a word — but you can’t have your voice be heard. And they take your taxes real electronically.”

Take Action Today:

Go to digitaldemocracyproject.org → Watch the explainer video → Click the Vote tab → Enroll in the Voatz app → Get verified in ~2 minutes → Start voting on real legislation.

Not registered? You can still browse every bill on the site — no account needed.

Connect with Sadie & DDP:

* 🌐 digitaldemocracyproject.org

* 📧 [email protected]

* 📱 @digital_democracy_project (Instagram, Threads)

* 🐦 @DigitalDemoProj (X)

* 🦋 @digitaldemoproject.bsky.social

* ▶️ @digitaldemocracyproject (YouTube)

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I know, I know — it sounds almost suspiciously optimistic. But that’s exactly what made this conversation so fascinating. This week I sat down with Tom Joseph, founder of America’s Main Street Party, and we got into a wild, surprisingly practical idea: what if the problem with Congress isn’t that we need a brand-new law, but that we need a better way to choose the people who run for office in the first place? Tom has spent his life building systems that work — from founding Bookminders in 1991, long before remote work was cool, to now applying that same systems-first brain to democracy itself. And honestly, it’s hard not to be a little stunned by how much sense it all makes.

We talked about James Wilson, gerrymandering, approval voting, data integrity, the Super PAC loophole, and why the process for picking our representatives should probably be a lot better than the process for picking the next American Idol. If you’ve ever looked at Congress and thought, “Surely we can do better than this,” this episode is for you.

What We Cover in This Episode

We start with Tom’s COVID-era promise and the unexpected path that led to the founding of America’s Main Street Party. From there, we dig into James Wilson — the Founding Father most people have never heard of, but probably should have — and his vision of a “free and equal” fountain of democracy. That idea becomes the backbone of Tom’s whole approach.

Then we get into the mechanics: how the multi-round nominating contest works, why uncontested and gerrymandered districts are the smartest place to begin, and how the system uses tools like endorsement rounds, approval voting, and ranked choice voting to create a real contest instead of a backroom coronation. We also talk through the Super PAC loophole Tom is using for good, not evil, and why candidates might actually choose this path over the usual party machine.

And because no conversation about modern democracy is complete without a little existential dread, we also talk about data integrity, virtual polling locations, and the very important distinction between a nominating system and an election system. The bigger vision here is a coalition-driven Congress — and maybe even a healthier political culture by 2032.

Connect with Tom & America’s Main Street Party

* Website: mainstreetparty.org

* Research & hilosophy: WilsonsFountain.us

* Petition: change.org (search America’s Main Street Party)

* Donate, volunteer, or become a district organizer: mainstreetparty.org

📣 Enjoyed this episode?

Share it with someone who’s tired of partisan gridlock and ready for something smarter. If this conversation lit a fire in you, I’d love for you to like, subscribe, and leave a review — it really does help more people find the show. And as always: be excellent to each other.

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If nearly 50% of Americans identify as independent voters, why does our government keep getting more partisan? The answer, according to Chad Peace, isn’t apathy — it’s architecture.

Chad is the founder of IVC Media, a partner at Peace & Shea LLP, and the legal advisor behind the Independent Voter Project. He’s taken election reform cases all the way to the Supreme Court. And in this episode, he breaks down exactly how the system is rigged — and what we can actually do about it.

Key Takeaways

* Closed primaries are the root of the problem. In states with closed primaries and gerrymandered districts, a candidate can win with as little as 3% of the electorate. That’s not democracy — that’s a controlled outcome.

* Independent voters aren’t wishy-washy — they’re the majority. Nearly 50% of Americans now identify as independent. That’s not indecision. That’s a rejection of being told that every position you hold must fit inside one of two boxes.

* Political parties are private organizations — but they control public elections. The legal core of Chad’s work: if primaries are publicly funded and integral to our elections, can the state legally exclude voters who choose not to join a private party? He’s asked the Supreme Court three times.

* The system benefits from your disengagement. When you tune out, the pool of voters shrinks — and it becomes even easier for well-funded, well-organized factions to control outcomes with a tiny slice of the electorate.

* Competition is the antidote to money in politics. Chad’s counterintuitive argument: you don’t just need to get money out of politics — you need to make every dollar less effective by forcing candidates to compete for a broader, less predictable electorate.

* What’s next: a Top Four Primary for California. The Independent Voter Project is preparing to introduce a top-four nonpartisan primary for California — modeled on Alaska’s system — that would advance four candidates to the general election regardless of party affiliation.

Quotes Worth Sharing

“We’re simply asking the courts a question on behalf of individual voters: if primaries are an integral stage of the election process, can you exclude me from that process — that we fund — because I chose not to join a private association?” — Chad Peace

“The Republican and Democratic parties are like mom and dad saying, ‘kids, you can have whatever you want for dinner — as long as it’s from Burger King or McDonald’s.’” — Chad Peace

“They’ve devised a system that is literally designed not to represent you.” — Chad Peace

“Don’t get upset with the folks in the system — focus on the system you’re trying to change.” — Chad Peace

“When we don’t vote, when we don’t get involved — not only are we not putting our voice in, but we’re strengthening the opposition.” — Molly Ruland

“The system is like a gym membership where they actually want the people who sign up and never show up. You’re paying $29 a month and getting nothing — and they’re getting richer.” — Molly Ruland

Resources & Links

* 🌐 Independent Voter News: ivn.us

* 🌐 Independent Voter Project: independentvoterproject.org

* 🌐 IVC Media: ivcmedia.com

* 📱 Follow Chad: @chadpeace | @ivn

* 📱 Follow Molly: @mollyruland | @heartcastmedia

* 📬 Subscribe to this Substack for new episodes every week

🎧 Support the Show

What Do We Do Next? just hit 38,000 downloads — thank you! Every dollar from Substack memberships goes directly toward paid advertising to grow the show and get these conversations in front of more people.

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This one hit different. I sat down with Liuba Grechen Shirley — founder and CEO of Vote Mama — and walked away energized by what happens when a mom decides the political system needs to change. We talked about broken structures, nursing babies on the campaign trail, and why moms in politics are still fighting for the basic support other candidates take for granted. It’s a conversation about courage, access, and the kind of civic engagement that can actually move the needle.

Liuba’s path into politics began with organizing and ended with a run for Congress in 2018, after she saw firsthand how deeply the system disadvantages women running for office. What followed was not just a campaign, but a broader movement: Vote Mama, built to challenge the structural barriers that keep moms out of office and make political life less possible for working parents. The episode traces how campaign childcare funding became a live issue, why that ruling mattered, and how it helped open doors in states across the country.

That bigger story is really about representation — and power. When more moms run, more families get seen, and more policy starts to reflect real life. The conversation also gets practical, from Moms Night Out gatherings to the push to take back the House, with clear ways listeners can support women running for office right now.

What We Cover

* How Liuba went from organizing an Indivisible group to running for Congress with two babies at home

* Why the political system was built before women had the right to vote — and why that still matters

* The historic campaign childcare funding ruling and how it became law in 40 states

* How Vote Mama is helping moms in politics build real paths to power

* Why Moms Night Out events are becoming a powerful tool for civic engagement

* What listeners can do right now to help take back the House

Pull Quotes

“You’re already more qualified than most people in office. If you can read, if you can talk to members of your own community, and if you care — you can run for office.”

— Liuba Grechen Shirley

“Other countries have social safety nets. The US has women.”

— Jessica Clarko, cited by Liuba Grechen Shirley

“We are only a few months away from the most consequential election of our lifetimes. This is not a test.”

— Liuba Grechen Shirley

About Vote Mama

Vote Mama is a movement and ecosystem built to make politics more accessible for moms. Vote Mama PAC elects Democratic moms up and down the ballot, Vote Mama Foundation leads research on mothers in politics, and Vote Mama Lobby pushes legislative advocacy for moms in office and on the trail. Together, they’re working to make it easier for women running for office to lead without having to choose between public service and caregiving.

Take Action

* Host a Moms Night Out — go to votemamapac.org or comment “ready” on @votemamalobby on Instagram to get the toolkit. A $17,500 match is active the week before Mother’s Day.

* Donate to the Mama Fund — every dollar goes directly to endorsed mom candidates running right now.

* Support endorsed moms — find Vote Mama-endorsed candidates and back them with your vote, time, or donation.

* Follow @votemamalobby on Instagram for updates, candidate spotlights, and ways to plug in.

Connect

Website: votemamapac.org · votemamafoundation.orgInstagram: @votemamalobby · @liubagrechenshirleyLinkedIn: Vote Mama Lobby · Vote Mama FoundationSubstack: Liuba Grechen Shirley on Substack

#VoteMama #MomsInPolitics #WomenInPolitics #WhatDoWeDoNext #MollyRuland #LiubaGrechenShirley #MomsNightOut #SaveDemocracy #WomenRunning #CivicEngagement

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In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Jakle — Yale grad, social worker, political organizer, and Founder & Executive Director of DemocraShe — a nonpartisan national nonprofit paying high school girls $15/hour to become America’s next generation of elected leaders. What started as a question (”Why didn’t the Year of the Woman ever become the Decade of the Woman?”) became a movement rooted in neuroscience, evidence-based resilience tools, and radical belief in young women.

This conversation goes deep — on brain science, imposter syndrome, joy as resistance, trauma titration, and why the most political thing you can do right now might be to pet a dog and call a friend.

In This Episode

* Why 1992’s “Year of the Woman” never became the flood of women leaders Sarah expected — and what she did about it

* The neuroscience of why women don’t run for office (hint: it’s not ambition, it’s resiliency zones)

* DemocraShe’s signature tools: the Inner Critic vs. the Inner Best Friend, grounding, savoring the good

* Why high school is the last time girls and boys believe equally in their ability to lead — and why that’s the exact moment to intervene

* How to use “growth steps” to take action without flooding your nervous system

* Joy as strategy, not luxury — why feeling happy is an act of resistance

* Trauma titration: how to stay engaged without burning out

* DemocraShe’s explosive growth: 24 girls in 2022 → 915 in 2025, with 7x more applicants than spots

* How to support DemocraShe: donate, mentor, refer a high school girl, or connect them with foundations

“You should feel no shame for feeling flooded and exhausted. That is exactly how the human body was designed to respond to trauma. However, lovely humans have spent time researching the best tools to help brains overcome adversity — and even thrive.”

— Sarah Jakle

“Women deserve to be happy while they lead. It is not an either/or.”

— Sarah Jakle

Brain Hacks You Can Use Today

* Meet Your Inner Best Friend — Before a big moment, ask: “What would my inner best friend say?” (Not your inner critic — she’s not as helpful as she thinks she is.)

* Ground Yourself — Physical contact with a surface pulls you from your amygdala back to your prefrontal cortex. Try it right now.

* Savor the Good — Consciously noticing joy rewires your brain to find more of it. It’s not toxic positivity — it’s neuroscience.

* Take a Growth Step — Not the safe step. Not the overwhelm step. The one that’s just slightly outside your comfort zone, in line with your values.

* Titrate Into Hard Things — Touch something difficult, then return to something neutral or positive. That’s how you stay in the fight long-term.

About Sarah Jakle

Sarah Jakle is the Founder & Executive Director of DemocraShe. She’s a Yale graduate (Phi Beta Kappa), holds a Master’s in Social Work from USC and a Master’s in Public Policy from UCLA. She’s served as Get Out The Vote Director for CA NOW, National Outreach Director for Field Team 6, and is a Movement Builder Fellow with How Women Lead and an Obama Organizing for Action Fellow.

How to Support DemocraShe

* 💸 $25/month sponsors a girl through a 10-week program

* 💸 $50/month sponsors a peer leader

* 💸 $100/month sponsors a girl through the full program ($1,200 total)

* 🙋 Mentor a high school girl directly through the program

* 📣 Refer a high school girl who needs to meet her Inner Best Friend

* 🌐 Free self-directed program available at Democrashe.org — share it!

* 🤝 Know a foundation? Reach out to Sarah directly through the website

Links

* 🌐 Website: Democrashe.org

* 💼 LinkedIn: Sarah Jakle

* 🎙️ Subscribe & share this episode with a high school girl in your life

Wouldn’t it be amazing to have these tools at 15 instead of 50? Yeah. We think so too. Share this one. It matters.

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Welcome back to “What Do We Do Next?” on today’s episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Anne Brodsky—better known as the Fence Fairy—joining us all the way from Key West. Anne is an unwavering advocate, artist, and community builder whose activism and rainbow fences have sparked hope and resilience throughout her community and far beyond. With decades of experience—from child welfare to fighting for equality—Anne shares her personal journey, the powerful women who inspired her, and her mission to spread joy, unity, and resistance through art, one rainbow fence at a time.

In our conversation, Anne and I dig into her stories of perseverance, the importance of community action, standing strong in the face of adversity, and how even a simple rainbow fence can become a beacon of hope. We also discuss practical ways each of us can get involved. If you’re searching for inspiration and a reminder that change truly begins with every one of us, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Chapters00:00 - Introduction00:47 - Family influence and early activism04:17 - Making and sharing mini fences08:53 - Spreading love with repurposed paint14:18 - Standing against division and hate17:49 - One person can make impact21:11 - The importance of women and community22:58 - Neighborhood disputes over painted fences26:43 - Opposition to rainbow fences30:06 - Discussing women challenging power35:22 - Giving back to your community37:06 - Running for DNC position41:06 - Processing grief and accountability43:49 - Brainstorming community-driven collaboration49:15 - Offering campaign support services49:51 - Outro

Key TakeawaysThe Power of OneService and SolidarityAdversity to ActionLegacy of MatriarchsCommunity is Our CompassAllyship in ActionKeep Passing the BatonFocus ForwardThere is Always Hope

Quotes“Your voice matters, your vote matters, your spirit is important, and I value you. We are not alone—there is hope out there, and action is what replenishes us.” - Anne Brodsky

“One person really can make such a huge difference in the world—all it takes is that little bit of drive to want to do that.” - Molly Ruland

Anne Brodsky:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anne.brodsky.58

Produced by Heartcast Media

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In this episode of “What Do We Do Next?” I sat down with Sarvnaz Chitsaz, the chair of the Women’s Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran. Sarvnaz Chitsaz shares her inspiring journey—having joined the movement as a university student and now leading the women’s resistance—offering a firsthand look into Iran’s ongoing fight for democracy and women’s rights.

Our conversation dives into the evolution of the resistance, the vital role women play in leadership, and how a new generation is rising up for change both inside and outside Iran. Sarvnaz Chitsaz reflects on decades of struggle against misogyny and fundamentalism, the resilience of Iranian youth, and the universal need for purpose during uncertain times. We also unpack the challenges of combating misinformation, the power of international solidarity, and the hope we find from witnessing young women step into leadership.

Join me for an episode full of candid stories, insight, and encouragement on how we can all take part in building a better world—no matter where we’re starting from.

Chapters00:00 - Introduction00:10 - Iranian Women’s Struggles and Activism10:08 - “Women’s Resilience and Reflection”11:34 - Purpose Ignites Women’s Unity16:39 - “Politics and Shared Burdens”18:25 - “Media, Iran, and Truth Challenges”22:58 - “Blocked by Editorial Politics”24:30 - Iran’s Youth Sparks Protest Wave30:09 - “Women Empowering Women Globally”31:49 - Outro

Key TakeawaysA Lifetime of ResistanceThe Power of PurposeWomen Leading ChangeYouth Awakening in IranFacing Hardships with CourageThe Importance of True InformationGlobal Solidarity and InspirationReal Democracy Requires Women’s Leadership

Quotes“I would rather have something I believe in and fight for it than feel nothing. You have to find something that gives you purpose—and go out fighting.”- Molly Ruland

“It’s very important to find that thing that gives you an energy to go on. If you believe in it, then you go for it and fight for it—because this is life. You are just fighting every moment of your life.”- Sarvnaz Chitsaz

Guest:Sarvnaz Chitsaz: Chair of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) Women’s Committee

Produced by Heartcast Media

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Welcome back to What Do We Do Next? In this episode, I sit down with Aceil Haddad, whose career at the intersection of communications, public policy, and social change truly inspires me. Over the past decade, Aceil Haddad has been the driving force behind campaigns that shape public debate and help leaders communicate complex ideas with clarity and conviction—most notably through her agency, MAP PR, and her impactful work with advocacy groups like Pregnant Then Screwed.

During the pandemic, Aceil Haddad brought together more than 250 volunteers to support over 120 charities at a critical time, launching campaigns like But Not Maternity that made a real difference. In our conversation, we dig into what fuels her dedication to service, why genuine political participation matters now more than ever, and the importance of women’s voices in fighting disinformation and pushing for real societal change.

We talk candidly about the lessons learned from grassroots activism, the realities of power and representation, and how each of us can discover our own way to make an impact. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just wondering how you can do more, this episode is full of honest insights and practical inspiration for anyone asking: “What do we do next?”

Key TakeawaysStep Into Your Power—Everyone Has a Role to PlayPolitics Isn’t Just for PoliticiansWomen’s Voices Matter—Don’t Step BackSustainable Impact Starts with Self-CareFind Your ‘North Star’ and Own Your JourneyYou Don’t Have to Be the Main Character to Make a DifferenceUse Your Voice, Even When It Feels Risky

Chapters00:00 - Introduction00:10 - “Mobilizing Volunteers for Change”05:37 - Navigating Politics and Authenticity09:28 - Change Takes Time12:52 - “Understanding Issues and Power”14:32 - Politics and Business: Shared Lessons19:58 - “Impact Without Being Center Stage”21:33 - Community Service, Quiet Impact24:58 - “Women Must Be Heard”27:14 - “Staying Visible Matters Most”30:48 - Finding Your North Star35:37 - What Do We Do Next?36:08 - Outro

QuotesMolly Ruland:“When you know who you are, you don’t get washed around in the stream. It’s not about being the main character—it’s about showing up for your values, speaking the truth, and supporting the people and causes that matter to you.”

Aceil Haddad:“Everyone has a skill that’s valuable—no matter how small you think it is. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but through collective action and by having the courage to show up and use your voice, especially when the world would rather you stay silent.”

Connect with Aceil Haddadhttp://www.matt-pr.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aceil/

Call To Action:Stand for election - Centenary ActionSupport and invest in women

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Welcome back to What Do We Do Next? In this episode, I’m joined by Cristina Giovanna Olivares—an award-winning visibility coach, leadership advisor, and TEDx speaker who helps high-achieving Latinas and women of color step into their power. As the founder of Social Butterfly Gal and Hustle and Socialize, Cristina shares her journey from being inspired by her trailblazing grandmother to becoming a trusted voice in Latina leadership.

We talk about unapologetic visibility, the cultural and economic power of Latinas, and why women—especially women of color—must claim their voices in leadership. Cristina also shares insights on overcoming overwhelm, setting boundaries with social media, building supportive communities, and embracing authentic self-expression.

It’s an honest and inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, practical insights, and a reminder that being visible, powerful, and joyful is the new standard.

Key TakeawaysAncestral Roots & IdentityLatinas as Natural LeadersNervous System Regulation & OverwhelmEconomic Power of LatinasUnapologetic Visibility & BrandingRedefining Professionalism

Chapters00:00 - Introduction00:10 - “Christina: Empowering Women Leaders”03:57 - Latina Leadership and Visibility Journey09:58 - Social Media Overload Solutions12:49 - Too Much to Handle Responsibly16:46 - Content, Fear, Money, and Influence19:55 - Breaking Barriers, Building Wealth22:26 - Empowering Ambitious Founders’ Growth25:37 - “Authenticity Over Conformity”28:01 - “Defying Stereotypes, Owning Success”31:37 - “Empowering Women, Supporting Change”

Quotes“Be unapologetically visible at all times. Take initiative, stay committed to yourself, and never be afraid to claim your power”- Cristina Giovanna Olivares

“This is not the time to be meek and mild. Be louder, bolder, and braver than ever before. Redefine what it means to show up in the world.”- Molly Ruland

Connect with Christina and work with her in coachingWebsite:

https://www.thesocialbutterflygal.net/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/TheSocialButterflyGalThreads: Https://www.threads.com/thesocialbutterflygalLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-jovanna-olivarez-14081226/

Produced by Heartcast Media:

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A lot of us are trying to stay informed without getting swallowed by the news cycle, and still figure out what to do with what we’re feeling. I’m one of them.

In this episode, I speak with Anabel Ternès von Hattburg—psychologist, futurist, professor, author, and host of the radio show We are Power—to talk about what it looks like to keep showing up when the problems feel bigger than any one person. Anna’s work has taken her from building a platform for people’s lived experience to speaking out about women’s movements worldwide, with a clear focus on the courage of Iranian women fighting for freedom and democracy.

What stayed with me most is her insistence that stories matter more than slogans. We talk about what we remember, what moves us, and what actually helps when I’m trying to communicate with friends and family without shutting down or turning away. We end with concrete guidance I can use—and you can use—if you want to get informed, use your voice with purpose, and take a first step that isn’t performative and isn’t alone.

Chapters:00:00 - Introduction00:10 - “Powerful Stories, Impactful Living”04:12 - Hope Through Memories08:46 - “Advocacy Failure for Afghan Women”12:18 - “Walk, Collaborate, Write Life”13:12 - Outro

Quotes:Molly Ruland:“Awakening to truth can be painful, but it’s in this discomfort that we rediscover our power—and realize we are not alone in our desire for change.”

Anabel Ternès von Hattburg:“Never stop doing the things you do. Never stop talking about the things you do. Involve, inspire, and engage as many people as you can in the movement you started.”

Key Takeaways:The Power of StorytellingAmplifying Women’s VoicesActive AllyshipWalking the TalkBravery as a Daily PracticeCommunity Over CompetitionHope as a Driving Force

Produced by Heartcast Media:

http://www.heartcastmedia.com

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