The Foolish Optimist with Amy McDonald

You can follow Josh's campaign at JoshTaveras.com   Empowering Change with Josh Taveras   In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, Amy McDonald interviews Josh Taveras, a candidate for the US House of Representatives from New York's Second Congressional District. Josh, a proud gay Dominican American and first-generation college graduate, discusses his motivation to run for office and his commitment to implementing bold, people-first policies. They delve into Josh's background in community organizing, his focus on issues such as housing affordability, public transportation, and LGBTQ+ rights, and his grassroots campaign efforts. Josh also shares his personal experiences and how they drive his passion for creating positive change in his community.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:48 Josh Taveras' Background and Motivation 01:40 Community Involvement and Impact 03:11 District Demographics and Challenges 05:01 Voter Engagement and Political Landscape 07:51 Housing Affordability Issues 10:35 Transportation and Accessibility 12:08 LGBTQ+ Rights and Challenges 14:57 Education and Disinformation 19:23 Campaign Strategy and Grassroots Efforts 24:46 ICE Activity and Immigration Issues 29:26 Website Information and Smart Domain Choices 29:55 Favorite Thing About the District: The Food 30:28 Taveras Taste: Promoting Local Food Businesses 32:15 Advice for Young People Entering Politics 34:26 The Attention Economy and Taking Breaks 36:58 Rapid Fire Questions: Getting to Know Josh 46:31 Personal Struggles and Motivation for Running 48:57 Conclusion and Where to Follow Josh 50:49 Podcast Wrap-Up and Thank You

Deep Dive: The Importance of Down Ballot Races with Kyle PhD (follow him on TikTok and Bluesky at KyleIPHD) In this special episode of The Foolish Optimist, host Amy McDonald interviews Kyle PhD, a neuroscientist who turned to TikTok during the 2024 election cycle. They discuss Kyle's journey from earning his PhD in neuroscience to becoming a viral voice on TikTok, highlighting down ballot races across the U.S. They explore the significance of local elections, the impact of grassroots activism, and the importance of addressing propaganda in today's political landscape. Tune in to hear about Kyle's inspiring journey, the role of hope in activism, and their shared commitment to effecting change in American politics. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 00:22 Meet Kyle PhD: From Neuroscience to TikTok Activism 01:45 Understanding Down Ballot Races 03:49 The Importance of Local Elections 04:19 Kyle's Political Journey and Viral Moments 06:35 The Power of Hope and Political Engagement 14:55 Challenges and Opportunities in Upcoming Elections 17:01 Combating Propaganda and Disinformation 30:11 The Republican Platform and Purity Politics 30:37 Challenges in Democratic Campaigns 31:10 Hope and Action in Alabama 32:41 The Big Tent of the Left 33:09 Personal Political Identity 35:54 Supreme Court and Judicial Concerns 46:32 The Importance of Empathy and Community 50:30 Dungeons & Dragons and Building Community 57:38 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Follow Jasmine's Campaign for US Senate out of Oklahoma at NkiylaforOK on all socials Campaigning for Change: N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas on Equity, Representation, and Tribal Sovereignty In this episode of The Foolish Optimist podcast, host Amy McDonald interviews N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas, a senatorial candidate for Oklahoma. Jasmine shares her background as a proud nurse, military spouse, and Chickasaw woman, and discusses her historic run for the U.S. Senate. She emphasizes the importance of fighting for working families, equitable healthcare, and real support for military and special needs families. Jasmine also speaks about her unique perspective as a multiracial woman and addresses key issues in Oklahoma, such as education, housing, and the challenges faced by small businesses. The conversation highlights her commitment to representing and serving all Oklahomans while driving meaningful change. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:15 Jasmine Thomas: Background and Motivation 02:49 Challenges and Experiences in Healthcare 05:01 Tribal Sovereignty and Cultural Preservation 14:49 Housing and Education Issues in Oklahoma 22:46 Accountability in Government and Personal Growth 31:00 Consequences of Industry Misconduct 31:14 Sharing Personal Work Experiences 31:55 The Value of Diverse Professional Backgrounds 32:47 Challenges Faced by Small Business Owners 36:59 Healthcare and Medicaid Issues 41:46 Voter Turnout and Political Engagement 48:07 Campaign Strategies and Community Involvement 51:53 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks  

Follow Loren's campaign at LorenColinForCongress.com.   On this episode of The Foolish Optimist Podcast, host Amy McDonald welcomes Loren Colin, an independent candidate running for the US House District 34 in California. Colin, a Southern California native with a background in marketing and technology, discusses his journey, motivations for running, and his vision for progressive policies to break the current two-party system. The conversation covers a range of topics, including healthcare, housing, homelessness, economic disparity, and the importance of empathy and anti-racism. Tune in to hear Collin's thoughts on the need for governmental change and how his unique perspective aims to address the needs of one of the most diverse districts in the country.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:57 Loren's Political Journey and Independent Run 01:55 Defining Independence and Political Ideologies 04:50 Government's Role and Economic Policies 15:38 District Overview and Local Issues 20:41 Housing Crisis and Solutions 32:27 Campaign Strategy and Vision 33:25 Comparing Healthcare Systems: US vs. Germany and Japan 34:11 Taxation and Public Services: A Closer Look 34:55 Racism and Historical Context 36:28 The Benefits of Anti-Racism 37:09 Political Shifts and Self-Interest 39:20 The Role of Fear and Anger in Politics 39:55 The Common Enemy: Oligarchs and Billionaires 55:54 The Independent Movement and Political Change 57:33 Rapid Fire Questions with Loren Collin 01:02:13 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, host Amy McDonald interviews Steve Schwab, who is running for the Texas House of Representatives in District 44. Follow his journey on socials or at his website at SchwabforTexas.com   Schwab shares his fascinating life story from growing up in Boston, dealing with family challenges, serving in the Army, to his transition into academia. He discusses his motivation for running for office, focusing on removing MAGA Republicans and the importance of winning local elections to impact national outcomes. Schwab emphasizes on working with people across political divides, the importance of rural voices, and how better representation can improve the quality of life for Texans. The episode delves into Texas's unique legislative structure and Schwab’s strategies for combating the influence of big money in politics. He also reflects on the recent floods in the area and the resilience of the Texas community.   00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup 00:22 Guest Introduction: Steve Schwab 00:39 Steve's Early Life and Family Struggles 02:16 College and Military Service 04:12 Deployment Experiences and Leadership 07:24 Transition to Academia and Research 14:49 Political Awakening and Decision to Run 29:34 Political Manipulation and Media Influence 33:14 Texas State House: Structure and Sessions 36:12 Challenges of Part-Time Legislature 40:48 Campaign Strategies and Rural Outreach 43:01 Flooding Issues and Community Impact 49:18 Final Thoughts and Candidate's Vision

In this episode of the Foolish Optimist podcast, Amy McDonald engages in a deep conversation with Joyce Takako, a TikTok influencer known for organizing lists of Democratic candidates. You can follow her work @joycetakakoedgington  They discuss Joyce's journey from LGBTQ activism to political involvement, the importance of healthcare reform, and the urgent need for better veteran care. Joyce, a cancer survivor and single mom, shares her current focus on supporting progressive candidates and empowering voters through social media. The episode highlights the significance of community activism, the impact of grassroots efforts, and the necessity of electing empathetic and progressive leaders. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Kickoff 00:30 Guest Introduction: Joyce Takako 00:52 Joyce's Political Journey 01:52 The Impact of the AIDS Crisis 02:58 Joyce's Current Life and TikTok Activism 03:39 Compiling Candidate Lists 06:41 Challenges Facing Veterans 10:50 Healthcare and Universal Coverage 13:54 Motherhood and Birthing Experiences 18:48 Summer Plans and Personal Background 24:16 Upcoming Elections and Progressive Candidates 30:09 Challenges for Working-Class Candidates 31:03 Democratic Party Unity and Leadership 31:37 Frustrations with Current Political Climate 32:59 Admiration for Progressive Candidates 34:57 The Role of PAC Money in Campaigns 38:20 Highlighting Veteran Candidates 42:55 Empathy and Representation in Politics 47:24 Encouraging Political Engagement 54:26 The Importance of Government Support 56:33 Conclusion: Supporting Democratic Candidates

Follow Elijah on TikTok at ElijahKingNC, Insta at ElijahKingforDurham, or on his website https://www.elijahkingfordurham.com/   In this episode of 'The Foolish Optimist,' host Amy McDonald interviews Elijah King, candidate for Durham City Council Ward One in the 2025 election. A lifelong Durham resident and community organizer, King discusses his motivations for running, including addressing the needs of diverse communities such as Black and brown residents, workers, and small business owners. He highlights key issues like transportation, small business support, and youth opportunities. King shares his personal stories of overcoming challenges and emphasizes his grassroots approach to campaigning. The discussion also covers innovative campaign strategies, such as virtual rallies, and King's efforts to build a coalition that truly represents all of Durham’s residents.     00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:39 Elijah King's Motivation for Running 02:21 Key Issues Facing Durham 05:30 Small Businesses and Community Building 07:38 Campaign Strategies and Community Engagement 12:55 Elijah King's Background and Achievements 18:04 Challenges and Hypocrisy in Politics 23:28 Embracing Authenticity: Tattoos and Realness 23:50 Recruitment Challenges and Overcoming Public Speaking Fears 24:12 Passion for Trains and Vinyl Records 26:42 Scooter Adventures and Community Visibility 27:41 Durham's Political Landscape and Coalition Building 30:33 Addressing Inequality and Building Opportunities 32:15 Bull City Futures Fund and Community Engagement 37:18 Rapid Fire Questions with Elijah King

In this episode of 'The Foolish Optimist,' host Amy McDonald interviews Dani Sterbinsky, a Navy veteran and HR professional running for the US House of Representatives seat in Arizona's Ninth District. Dani discusses her background, motivation for running, and the key issues facing her district, including education funding and economic inequality. She emphasizes the importance of grassroots campaigning and building community networks to reach voters. The conversation delves into her personal experiences, her stance on various policies, and the challenges of modern political campaigning.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:58 Dani's Background and Motivation 02:14 Life in the Navy 05:02 Post-Navy Career and Social Work 06:34 Challenges in Social Work 10:10 Parenting and Campaigning 11:35 Arizona's Ninth District Issues 12:38 Education and Economic Concerns 23:49 Campaign Strategy and Voter Engagement 28:02 Challenges of Voting Accessibility 29:29 Campaign Information and Signature Collection 31:38 Fundraising and Campaign Finance 35:27 Randomized Personal Questions 40:53 Favorite Politicians and Political Memories 47:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Navigating the Path of Political Communications with Marla Bautista |   The Foolish Optimist In this episode of The Foolish Optimist, host Amy McDonald sits down with Marla Bautista, author, TEDx speaker, and CEO of the Bautista Project, Inc., a nonprofit organization assisting the homeless in Tampa, Florida. Marla, who has a master's degree in communications from Syracuse University, shares her experiences as a communications manager for political campaigns. They discuss the critical role of support teams in elections, the misconceptions about politicians, the importance of local elections, and the impact of politics on daily life. They also delve into Marla's journey into politics, the influence of social media and AI in campaigns, the role of money in politics, and the challenges of running as a new candidate. Join the conversation and gain insights into the intricate world of political communications and community advocacy. 00:00 Introduction to the Special Series 00:19 Meet Marla Bautista: Author and Advocate 00:54 The Role of Communications in Politics 02:00 Campaign Success Stories 02:33 The Importance of Local Elections 02:40 Marla's Journey into Politics 03:21 The Impact of Politics on Daily Life 04:12 Addressing Homelessness and Community Advocacy 07:20 The Reality of a Police State 10:34 Security Theater and Public Perception 19:52 The Influence of Money in Politics 27:48 The Role of AI and Technology in Modern Campaigns 33:31 Grassroots Campaigning and Community Engagement 40:11 Advice for Aspiring Politicians 41:57 Championing Narratives in Politics 42:46 The Shiny Star: Deja Fox's Campaign 44:24 Appealing to Older Voters 48:50 The Power of Media in Politics 52:54 Adapting to New Political Realities 01:05:06 Building a Solid Campaign Team 01:15:09 The Future of Politics and Technology

Brian Del Vecchio is running for office in Arizona's first congressional district.  An attorney, a judge, and a father he's running because we need to address the affordability crisis and make sure future generations of Americans are taken care of with universal healthcare and free lunch for children.  You can follow his campaign, donate, or volunteer at del4az.com.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:13 Brian Delvecchio's Motivation to Run 04:13 Challenges in Modern Politics 10:08 Historical Context and Media Influence 31:45 Economic Concerns in Arizona's First District 38:34 Healthcare Costs and Scams 38:56 The Broken Healthcare System 39:56 Medicare for All: A Solution 40:31 Economic Impact of Healthcare 40:41 Employment and Healthcare Ties 41:25 Universal Healthcare Benefits 41:34 Steps Towards Universal Healthcare 42:58 The Role of Congress in Healthcare Reform 43:19 The Power of Choice and Will 47:01 The Need for Empathy in Policy 47:52 Feeding Children: A Moral Imperative 52:21 Political Strategy and Campaigns 01:04:48 Diversity in Scottsdale 01:07:32 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Alex Braswell is the first nominee for the Democratic party in Alabama's 11th District in over 15 years, and she is the first woman Democratic nominee in history. An interpreter by trade, she's running in a special election for Alabama's state house. You can follow her campaign at https://braswellfor11.com/

Interview with Jump Shepherd: A Run for the US Senate   In this episode of 'The Foolish Optimist,' host Amy McDonald interviews Jump Shepherd, a candidate for the US Senate in Illinois. Jump, a scientist and construction worker, discusses his motivations for running for office in 2026, emphasizing the urgency of addressing environmental issues, economic instability, and middle-class struggles.   He outlines his campaign platform, which includes a focus on affordable housing, fair wages, and environmental policy. Jump also delves into his plans to challenge political incumbents, reform the tax system, and support union strength. The interview concludes with a lighthearted rapid-fire round and highlights ways for supporters to get involved in his campaign.

Kelly Brown is running for Wisconsin's 6th District, encompassing Sheboygan, Fon du Lac. You can follow them on Instagram at FriendsofKellyBrown and on TikTok at KellyforWI.06

Mike Swanson is running for US Senate in Texas! He understands what working class folks are going through, and is ready to fight for them in Washington DC! You can donate to his campaign at MikeSwanson.Org.

Robert People is running for Florida's 15th Congressional District - so just east of Tampa. If you like what you hear, you can find all of his campaign information at PeopleForCongress.com

Dakarai Larriett is running for US Senate to represent Alabama. He's an entrepreneur and is leading his campaign with a Listening Tour of all 67 counties in Alabama. You can follow his campaign for US Senate at DakaraiLarriett.com or on socials at DakaraiLarriettforSenate.

JD is running for City Council in Charlotte, North Carolina! I highly suggest you listen to this if running for office is on your to-do list. He is changing the political game. You can join his campaign at JD4CLT.com 

Jeremy is a veteran and a father, running in Alabama's Fifth Congressional District. You can join his campaign, donate, and volunteer at JeremyTakesTheHouse.org.

Christ Kallas is running for the US House of Representatives in Illinois's 8th District. If you like what you hear today - join his campaign, donate, or follow him at KallasForCongress.com.

Jonathan Bonner is running for the US House of Representatives to represent the people of the Georgia's 13th District. You can follow his campaign, donate, or volunteer via Bonner4Congress.com.