United SHE Stands

In episode 165, we sit down with Rose Lounsbury to talk about why she’s running again for the Ohio House and what’s at stake for public schools, voting rights, and working families. We dig into vouchers, gerrymandering, healthcare costs, and what it will take to build an Ohio that truly works for everyday families.Rose Lounsbury is running for State Representative in Ohio’s House District 36, which includes Kettering, Oakwood, Riverside, East Dayton, and downtown Dayton. A former public school teacher, the daughter of two retired teachers, and the mother of teenage triplets in public school, Rose is deeply committed to protecting and strengthening Ohio’s public schools.Her political journey began during the pandemic with the League of Women Voters, where she developed a strong belief that voting rights are the foundation of a healthy democracy. She is committed to fair, accessible elections for all Ohioans.Rose’s great-grandfather immigrated to Southeast Ohio in the early 1900s to work in the coal mines, believing Ohio was a place where hard work could lead to a good life. Rose still believes that hardworking families should be able to afford housing, food, and healthcare without fear of financial ruin.This is Rose’s second time running for office, and she is running again because the challenges facing Ohio’s families are growing—not shrinking. Rose believes Ohio can have strong schools, fair elections, and an economy that works for working people—and she’s ready to fight for that future.Resources:* Rose for Ohio* Donate to Rose’s Campaign* Follow Rose and her campaign on social media:* Instagram* Facebook* TikTokConnect with United SHE Stands:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* YouTube* Threads* Buy us a coffee ☕️This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

In this month’s bonus episode, we talk with Minneapolis resident Emma about what it’s been like to live in the city during Operation Metro Surge, where two community members were murdered in the streets by federal agents. She shares what she’s seeing on the ground and how neighbors are showing up for one another in powerful, hopeful ways during an incredibly frightening time.DISCLAIMER: This was recorded on Tuesday, February 10th. On Thursday, February 12th, Tom Homan, the Trump Administration’s “boarder czar”, said Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis was ending. We’ll believe it when we see it. Minnesota & Minneapolis organizations to donate to:* Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action (COPAL)* Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC)* Stand with MinnesotaConnect with United SHE Stands:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* YouTube* Threads* Buy us a coffee ☕️This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

In episode 163, we break down the Ohio GOP’s newly introduced “Cooperation Package,” a set of four bills designed to expand cooperation with federal immigration enforcement (ICE) across the state. We walk through what each bill would do, why they matter, and the real impacts they could have on Ohio communities. Plus, we share specific, immediate action steps listeners can take to make their voices heard.Resources:* OhioBills.wtf* Ohio Republicans introduce multi-bill package to mandate cooperation with ICE* House Bill 26 | 136th General Assembly | Ohio Legislature* House Bill 200 | 136th General Assembly | Ohio Legislature* House Bill 281 | 136th General Assembly | Ohio Legislature* House Bill 544 | 136th General Assembly | Ohio Legislature* Public Safety Committee | Ohio House of Representatives* Judiciary Committee | Ohio House of Representatives* Ohio’s Democratic state lawmakers introduce bills to limit ICE | WOSU Public MediaConnect with United SHE Stands:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* YouTube* Threads* Buy us a coffee ☕️This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

In episode 162, we’re joined by Amanda Nelson of Amanda’s Mild Takes to talk about how power actually operates in the United States. We dig into the fears around the 2026 elections, the history behind modern immigration enforcement, and what real pro-democracy change could look like if Democrats retake Congress.Amanda Nelson is an amateur historian and political content creator behind Amanda’s Mild Takes, a media brand that uses history, political science, and civics to explain how power actually operates in the United States. She publishes daily political analysis and action ideas for an engaged audience of over a million people who want historical context, not just headlines.Resources:* Amanda’s Mild Takes on…* Instagram* TikTok* Substack* Uncap the House: The fastest pro-Democracy law we could pass today* Is ICE the Gestapo...or something more American?Connect with United SHE Stands:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* YouTube* Threads* Buy us a coffee ☕️This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

In episode 161, we talk with congressional candidate Don Leonard about what it really means to be a “Do-Something Democrat” in this political moment. Our conversation spans the issues hitting working families hardest - from healthcare, childcare, and housing to economic insecurity, immigration, and accountability for ICE - and what practical action in Congress could look like.Don spent the last decade as a City and Regional Planning professor at The Ohio State University and recently stepped away from teaching to run for Congress as a Do-Something Democrat in Ohio’s 15th District. A Medicaid kid turned educator and new dad, Don entered the race after watching working families get squeezed while extremists profit from division and dysfunction. Don is focused on economic freedom, protecting democratic institutions, and flipping one of the most competitive Republican-held seats in the country. He’s building a people-powered campaign centered on real results for working people.Resources: * Don’s Campaign Website* Donate to Don’s Campaign* Volunteer for Don’s Campaign* Instagram* TikTok* FacebookConnect with United SHE Stands:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* YouTube* ThreadsThis episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

In episode 160, we bring you our monthly Ohio-politics focus discussion and, yes, we’re already talking about what could be on your November ballot. We break down the four citizen-led ballot initiatives currently gathering signatures - from marriage equality and broad nondiscrimination protections to a proposal to abolish property taxes and an effort to end qualified immunity - so you know what they are and whether you should sign a petition to support them. We also flag urgent Statehouse bills on immigration and minors’ access to mental health care and share exactly how you can take action right now.Learn More About the Ballot Initiatives:* Home | Ohio Equal Rights* Ax Ohio Tax - AxOHTax* Ohio Coalition to End Qualified ImmunityResources:* TAKE ACTION: Ohio Priority Bills 2025-2026* Ohio Senate Bill 172* Ohio House Bill 42* Resolution Opposing Ohio House Bill 42 (for school boards)* Ohio House Bill 172* Ohio Senate Bill 274* How would a new bill requiring parental consent for mental health emergencies impact child sex abuse victims? - News 5 Cleveland* Thomas Hall - Ohio House Government Oversight Committee Chair* Ron Ferguson - Ohio House Government Oversight Committee Vice Chair* Ohio House Health Committee* Ohio Senate Health Committee* Frequently Asked Questions About Qualified Immunity – Unlawful Shield* Understanding Your Taxes | Hudson, OH - Official WebsiteConnect with United SHE Stands:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* YouTube* ThreadsThis episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.unitedshestands.comIn January’s ✨bonus✨ episode, we debrief The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life by Anu Partanen. We unpack how Nordic countries define freedom, independence, and care. We also explore how universal systems like healthcare, childcare, and worker protections can actually increase individual freedom. This conversation challenges what A…

In episode 158, we sit down with Democratic candidate Allison Russo to discuss her run for Ohio Secretary of State, her record defending free and fair elections, and her vision for strengthening democracy for all Ohioans.Resources:* Campaign Website* Donate to Allison’s Campaign* Instagram* TikTok* Facebook* X/Twitter* ThreadsConnect with United SHE Stands:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* YouTube* ThreadsThis episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

In episode 157, we’re joined by Hell Cat Cait Conley - a decorated combat veteran and national security expert running for Congress in New York’s 17th District. From protecting our democracy to fixing what’s broken in Washington, Cait shares why it’s time for leaders who know how to get sh*t done.Resources:* Cait Conley for Congress Website* Hell Cats Website* Donate to Cait’s Campaign:* ActBlue* Numero* Cait’s Social Media:* Instagram* Facebook* X/Twitter* BlueskyConnect with USS:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* YouTube* ThreadsThis episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

In episode 156, we set our 2026 intentions and ask the uncomfortable question - why don’t more people care about politics? We dig into where apathy comes from, why it matters, and how we move from disengagement to action.Resources* Political Apathy | EBSCO Research Starters* 10 Causes of Voter Apathy in the United States | GoodParty.org* How Does U.S. Voter Turnout Compare to the Rest of the World’s? | Council on Foreign Relations* The-100-Million-Project_KF_Report_2020.pdf* Voter turnout in United States elections - Ballotpedia* Dive into abstentionism: understanding voter apathyConnect with USS:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* YouTube* ThreadsThis episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

Week Two of our holiday break AKA we’re re-releasing another goodie from 2025! Be sure to listen to this episode (or listen again) with David DeWitt to hear him talk about the importance of state and local news. Original Air Date: August 12th, 2025David is the Ohio Capital Journal Editor-in-Chief and a Opinion Columnist. He has been covering government, politics, and policy in Ohio since 2007, including education, health care, crime and the courts, poverty, state and local government, business, labor, energy, the environment, and social issues. He has worked for the National Journal, The New York Observer, and The Athens NEWS. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and is a board member of the E.W. Scripps Society of Alumni and Friends.Resources:* Sign up for The Eye-Opener Newsletter* Ohio Gerrymandering: A brief and Awful History of the Very Recent Past by David DeWitt* Find a Nonprofit Newsroom (Powered by Institute for Nonprofit News)* Social Media Accounts:* Ohio Capital Journal on Bluesky* Ohio Capital Journal on Facebook* David DeWitt on X/Twitter* David DeWitt on BlueskyConnect with USS:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* ThreadsThis episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

We’re re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from this year for our holiday break! Enjoy this conversation with Katie Gatti Tassin, where she talks about the intersection of money and politics. Already listened? Do it again - it’s been a while! 🤪Original Air Date: June 3rd, 2025Katie Gatti Tassin is the host of the Money with Katie podcast and author of the newsletter of the same name, both acquired by Morning Brew in 2022. Providing fresh personal finance advice that tackles the subject at hand with a unique outlook, her casual approach—coupled with deep, self-taught knowledge—speaks directly to followers who want to take their finances to the next level. She is also the co-host of the podcast Diabolical Lies, a long-form culture and politics podcast that aims to make you smarter, saner, and exponentially more unbearable at family get-togethers. Before founding Money with Katie in 2020, Katie worked professionally in marketing and user experience design for Southwest Airlines, Dell Technologies, and Meta. Her first book, RICH GIRL NATION: Taking Charge of Our Financial Futures went on sale June 10th, 2025.Resources:* Money with Katie Website* Get Rich Girl Nation* Diabolical Lies PodcastConnect with USS:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* ThreadsThis episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

In episode 153, we kick off the start of our monthly series dropping Ohio-focused episodes, catching you up on the key legislation, power moves, and policy battles shaping Ohio politics. Don’t worry - we include any bright spots we can find plus action items every Ohioan should know.Resources:* Bill regulating drugs (including medication abortion pills) passes Ohio House committee* Both parties get heat for Ohio’s new congressional district map as citizens look to future fights* Child-sex abuse prevention advocates worried about proposed Ohio parental notification bill* Editorial: DeWine should promptly reject State Senate Bill 50* HB 129* HB 186* HB 335* HB 486* Honest Friend Brewing* Honesty for Ohio Education – Legislation Tracker* Honesty for Ohio Education - Ohio SB34 Sub Bill* How They Voted on November 19, 2025* Mill Levy Rate – CFI* Ohio bill requiring legal statement prior to abortion treatment could sow mistrust, experts say* Ohio college students and faculty grappling with changes on campus from new higher education law* Ohio GOP lawmakers claim deep concern about protecting kids — except from child labor, apparently* Ohio House passes bill that would ban intoxicating hemp products, revise state’s marijuana laws* Ohio House passes bill to mandate schools teach positive impacts of religion on American history* Ohio lawmakers send five property-tax reform measures to the governor* Ohio Property Tax Bills* Rank the Vote Ohio * TAKE ACTION: Ohio Priority Bills 2025-2026* Tim Ryan explores Ohio governor bid* Tucked in the state transportation budget: A pay raise for a top House Republican* “This Is Sleazy, Totally Sleazy”: How Ohio lawmakers slipped a pay raise into the budget* Volunteer Engagement – EveryActionConnect with USS:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* ThreadsThis episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

In episode 152, we sit down with Adrianne Marsh, longtime strategist, campaign leader, to dig into the evolution of voter behavior and the future of Democratic strategy. From digital ethnography to narrative research, she explains what campaigns keep getting wrong and how Democrats can more effectively connect, communicate, and win.Adrianne Marsh is a veteran Democratic operative and CEO of Altum Insight. She has led and advised winning campaigns at every level, including managing Senator Claire McCaskill’s successful 2012 re-election, helping Democrats win back the U.S. Senate majority in 2006, playing a key role in Senator Michael Bennet’s 2010 victory—one of the few Democratic Senate wins that cycle—and contributing to President Barack Obama’s 2008 election. Adrianne has also been a long-time consultant in the field of PR, mail, TV and digital ads, and now research. At Altum Insight, she brings decades of field, communications, and strategic experience to help candidates and organizations translate research into narratives and operations that win trust and votes.Resources:* Altum InsightConnect with USS:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* ThreadsThis episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

In episode 150, we dig into the blueprint for turning red turf blue with movement-builders Jennifer Austin and Sarah Schulz. The duo from the Beyond Resistance Podcast explains the steps, strategies, and first actions that help local organizers build lasting power.Jennifer Austin and Sarah Schulz are the not-yet-famous-but-fiercely-effective duo behind the Beyond Resistance Podcast, where they dish hard-won lessons on flipping red turf blue. Jennifer—a strategic powerhouse who turned the Midland County Dems into a fundraising, vote-winning machine—has the numbers and receipts to prove that organizing can reshape a Republican stronghold. Sarah—an unflinching activist, former State House candidate, and professional GOP nightmare—has led rallies, spooked incumbents, and built a movement in the reddest parts of Michigan. Together, they’re building blue power in red communities—and they’re just getting started.Jennifer volunteered a few too many times, prompting Democratic voters to ask her to run for chair of the local party. Under her leadership, the MCDP increased their email list by 216%, their membership by 285%, and their fundraising by 400%! They’ve flipped the city of Midland and kept it blue 3 election cycles in a row and are working on that red, red county.Sarah was a founding leader of the Women of Michigan Action Network, prompting 1500 people to join the Indivisible organization in a red county of 80k. She ran for office 3 times, losing by 2 points but shifting the district 10 points blue, and becoming the top House fundraiser in the state of Michigan at $500k for a previously safe GOP seat.Resources: * Beyond Resistance Blueprint* Beyond Resistance Website* Instagram* TikTok* YouTube* Facebook* X/TwitterConnect with USS:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* ThreadsThis episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

In episode 149, we are joined by our friend Jess Britvich, who helps us unpack how beauty, wellness, and “trad” content can become gateways to extremist ideologies. Jess breaks down how internet culture and algorithms subtly draw women into the alt-right pipeline and how we can pull each other back out.Jessica Britvich is a former social worker turned content creator whose content addresses the intersection of internet culture, trends and politics through a progressive, feminist lens.Resources:* Instagram* TikTok* SubstackConnect with USS:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* ThreadsThis episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

In episode 148, we talk with our friend Dr. Cara Jacob about why she’s stepping up to run for the Ohio State Senate. From property taxes to public schools and healthcare, she shares what’s driving her campaign and how she hopes to create a fairer future for all Ohio families.Cara was raised in a small town with a close-knit family who taught her the values of hard work, integrity, and caring for others. Her passion for helping people led her to pursue medicine and ultimately become a neurologist. In that role, she’s had the privilege of caring for patients and families from communities across Ohio. She is also a wife and the proud mom of two wonderful children, experiences that have deepened her commitment to building a better future for all families.Beyond her medical career, Cara has been an advocate for policies that expand access to healthcare, strengthen our public schools, protect our democratic process, keep our communities safe, and ensure government works for everyday Ohioans—not just the wealthy and well-connected. That advocacy, coupled with growing concerns over the extreme legislation and corruption coming out of our statehouse, is what inspired her to run for the Ohio State Senate in Senate District 7.She believes we can make Ohio a stronger, fairer place for families by advancing common-sense policies that lift up all Ohioans—ensuring opportunity and dignity for everyone, not just the few at the top. Resources: * Cara Jacob for Ohio Senate Website* Instagram* TikTok* FacebookConnect with USS:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* ThreadsThis episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

In episode 147, we sit down with sixth-generation farmer and U.S. Senate candidate Hallie Shoffner, who’s stepping out of the fields and into the fight for Arkansas. Hallie shares why she’s taking on Tom Cotton and how she plans to stand up for the farmers, families, and working people who’ve been pushed to the back of the line.Hallie knows what it means to have to fight like hell for everything you have, and still get hammered by an economy that’s rigged against you--she’ll fight that rigged system every day, Tom Cotton’s the guy doing the rigging.She’s not a politician, she’s not much for political parties, and she’s never run for office in her life—the only thing Hallie ever wanted to do was farm. But if she can’t farm, she’s going to fight. For families. For Arkansas. For you.Resources:* Hallie Shoffner for Senate 2026 | Support Arkansans Today* Instagram* TikTok* Facebook* X/TwitterConnect with USS:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* ThreadsThis episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

In episode 145, we sit down with human rights advocate Benjamin Goldhagen, who has spent the last two years documenting the war in Ukraine and confronting Russian disinformation. His work offers a rare, unfiltered look at what’s really happening on the ground and why the world must not look away.Benjamin Goldhagen is a committed human rights advocate and expert on Ukraine, deeply immersed in the region’s geopolitical dynamics and humanitarian challenges. As the son of a Holocaust survivor, Benjamin’s personal history fuels his unwavering dedication to preventing atrocities and promoting human dignity.When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Benjamin swiftly moved to the front lines, providing critical insights and firsthand documentation of the conflict. His work highlights the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people as they navigate the complexities of war and resistance against eliminationist forces seeking to undermine their sovereignty and cultural identity.Benjamin collaborates extensively with Ukrainian communities, offering strategic support and advocating for policies that bolster Ukraine’s fight for freedom and justice. His expertise extends to combating Russian disinformation, ensuring that truthful narratives prevail in the global discourse surrounding the conflict.Through his relentless advocacy and deep understanding of Ukraine’s socio-political landscape, Benjamin Goldhagen plays a vital role in shaping international perspectives and fostering meaningful support for Ukraine’s enduring struggle for peace and human rights.Resources:* The Steel Porcupine Film* To The Zero Line Film* Goldhagen Group* X/TwitterConnect with USS:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* ThreadsThis episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe

Ohio is in the middle of a high-stakes redistricting battle that will shape political power through 2032 and gerrymandering is once again threatening fair representation. In episode 144, we’re joined by members of the Equal Districts Coalition to break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how Ohioans can demand fair maps.Meet the Panelists: Grace Metz is a second-year Computer and Information Science student at Ohio State University. She’s a recipient of the Morrill Scholarship and is deeply involved in her campus community. She currently serves as the Advocacy Chair for Ohio State’s chapter of the Ohio Student Association, a grassroots organizing group dedicated to improving the lives of all Ohio students.Deidra Reese is an advocate for building power and community. She has more than thirty years in the public policy and advocacy arena. She was the Executive director of two major organizations, the lobbyist of one of the largest Ohio labor unions and even started her own consulting firm to teach her E philosophy — Education + Engagement + Empowerment. Currently she is on the executive team of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative where she leads both the Statewide Voter Engagement program, and the Faith Based engagement and empowerment programs through the Amos Project.Reese is a member of Second Baptist Church and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and she serves on Delta’s National Social Action Commission. Deidra serves on several statewide and national committees and boards that focus on people power and advocacy. She resides in Columbus with her fiancé Paul.Gabriel Mann has been the Communications Director for Abortion Forward (formerly Pro-Choice Ohio) since 2015, following six years with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio. In 2023, he served as the Communications Director for Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights, the successful campaign to pass Issue 1 and enshrine the right to abortion in Ohio’s state constitution. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Gabriel’s career has included being a legislative aide in the Ohio Senate and labor organizing with SEIU District 1199 WV/OH/KY.Resources:* Equal DistrictsConnect with USS:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* ThreadsThis episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:* Website* Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe