Beyond The Campaign

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with California Assemblymember Gail Pellerin to discuss her journey from journalism and election administration to serving in the California State Legislature. They explore the experiences and priorities shaping her work in public service, including child-marriage prevention, mental health advocacy, suicide prevention, election integrity, and affordability. Gail also shares insights into the legislative process, the challenges of turning policy ideas into law, and the work required to create meaningful change for Californians. This conversation offers a closer look at state government, election administration, and the policy decisions that affect communities across California.What We're Talking About...Gail Pellerin’s career in journalism, election administration, and the California State AssemblyCalifornia’s child-marriage ban and bipartisan legislative advocacyWomen’s representation and constituent services in California governmentSuicide prevention, grief advocacy, and mental health awarenessMental health care access, affordability, and funding challengesCalifornia budget priorities, cost of living, education, and coastal protectionElection integrity, ballot security, and California voting proceduresMail-in ballot safety, voting tips, and ballot trackingLegislative achievements, criminal justice reform, and juror mental healthBipartisan collaboration, coalition-building, and the legislative processChapters00:00 Meet Gail Pellerin, California Assemblymember for District 2803:27 A Girl Scout certificate becomes a lesson in constituent service04:23 How Girl Scouts helped California ban child marriage08:09 The Assembly, women’s representation, and Pellerin’s district14:21 Turning family grief into suicide-prevention advocacy19:28 Mental-health access, funding cuts, and community needs21:14 Affordability, transportation, and protecting the coast26:12 Election safeguards and what happens to your ballot30:55 Why local races matter and how to make your vote count35:20 Legislating after a devastating crime, and why change takes time42:35 What Pellerin hopes voters take awayLinks MentionedCampaign website: http://www.gailpellerinforassembly.com

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, Michelle Glogovac speaks with Judge Deanell Reece Tacha about the role of the judiciary in American democracy, the importance of judicial independence, and the challenges posed by political influence and public perception of the courts. Drawing on her distinguished judicial career and her work with the Article III Coalition, Judge Tacha explores why an independent judiciary is essential to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public trust in the justice system. The conversation highlights the importance of civic engagement, understanding the judicial system, and protecting the integrity of the courts to strengthen American democracy.What We're Talking About...The role and importance of the Article III judiciary in upholding the U.S. Constitution and the rule of lawThe judicial oath, ethical responsibilities, and integrity of judges in the American legal systemThe history of judicial independence and its significance in protecting the U.S. justice systemThe role of federal courts in election disputes, emergency appeals, and other time-sensitive legal mattersBipartisan cooperation among judges and the importance of impartiality in judicial decision-makingPublic trust in the judiciary, public perception of judges, and the challenges of threats and intimidation against members of the courtsThe impact of social media, misinformation, and online discourse on public understanding of the judicial systemThe importance of civic education, media literacy, and critical thinking in strengthening public trust and informed civic engagementChapters00:00 Introduction to Judge Deanell Reece Tacha and the episode03:00 The Article III Coalition and its purpose03:58 Judges' independence and ethical standards04:49 Judicial decision-making and public perception07:04 The Supreme Court and political influence08:02 The oath of judges and constitutional principles10:00 The founding of the judiciary and protecting individual rights10:58 The role of courts in election disputes13:13 Emergency appeals and court responsiveness14:47 The increase in emergency cases and legal process17:06 The importance of legal scholarship and historical context19:04 Threats to judges and public confidence20:02 The integrity of the judiciary and public trust21:48 The pursuit of happiness and community service22:45 Encouraging young people to pursue public service24:03 The role of education and critical thinking in civics26:00 Bipartisanship among Article III judges28:07 Judicial ethics and public accountability29:02 The importance of independent judiciary for democracy29:52 Closing thoughts and appreciation for public serviceLinks MentionedArticle III Coalition: https://keepourrepublic.org/what-we-do/initiatives/article-iii-coalition/Keep Our Republic: https://keepourrepublic.org/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepourrepublicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeepOurRepublicAction/

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar to discuss the critical role secretaries of state play in administering elections and protecting election security. Their conversation explores how election officials work to maintain secure and accessible elections, build public trust in the democratic process, and encourage civic engagement. As the next election approaches, Aguilar shares insights into the responsibilities of state election officials and the importance of voter participation in strengthening democracy.What We're Talking About...The role and responsibilities of secretaries of state in election administrationElection security measures and strategies for protecting the integrity of electionsThe importance of civic engagement, voter participation, and public trust in democracyNevada’s election process, voting systems, and innovations in election administrationKey challenges and opportunities in election management and ensuring secure, accessible electionsChapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Cisco Aguilar02:40 What do secretaries of state do?03:59 Election security and public confidence05:00 Nevada's role in national elections06:16 Federal vs. state control of elections07:38 The importance of transparency and legal wins08:13 Background and career of Cisco Aguilar09:26 Community work and youth programs12:25 Encouraging youth civic engagement14:33 Running for office and political journey16:43 Impact of public service on youth18:16 Voter turnout and election challenges22:54 Voting methods and mail-in ballots25:01 Nevada's voting technology and security26:07 Partnerships and community engagement28:42 Environmental stewardship and Lake Tahoe29:36 How to support and learn more about Cisco AguilarLinks MentionedCisco Aguilar's campaign website: http://www.voteforcisco.com

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal discusses California legislation aimed at addressing the impact of social media on children and teens, including AB 1709 and AB 2. The conversation explores how addictive social media features can affect young people, the need for greater oversight and accountability from social media platforms, and efforts to create safer online environments for youth. Josh also shares insights into the role of parents, communities, and policymakers in protecting children online and addressing the growing concerns surrounding social media use, youth well-being, and digital safety.What We're Talking About...California legislation AB 1709 and AB 2 addressing social media and youth safetyAddictive social media features and their impact on children and teensAge verification and protections for teen social media accountsSocial media use and its impact on youth mental health and well-beingGovernment oversight and regulation of social media and technology companiesCorporate accountability and penalties for negligence or harm to young usersThe role of parents, families, and communities in protecting children onlineTech industry incentives, corporate interests, and Wall Street’s influence on social media platformsChapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal00:52 Overview of California's social media bills AB 1709 and AB 203:21 Details of AB 1709 and its focus on age restrictions and oversight06:39 Penalties for harm and negligence under AB 207:46 Challenges of regulating teen accounts and verifying age10:35 Impact of social media on youth mental health and development12:32 The importance of ongoing measurement and regulation15:40 Parental concerns and managing children's social media use20:42 Tech industry incentives, Wall Street pressure, and ethical considerations24:32 The role of social media companies as wellness companies27:30 How parents and communities can get involved34:26 Final thoughts and call to action for listenersLinks MentionedInfo on California social media legislation: https://www.socialmediadelay.com

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, Mitch Jones from Food & Water Watch explores the growing concerns surrounding data centers and the rapid development of artificial intelligence, including the potential risks of superintelligent AI. The conversation examines the environmental impact of data centers, including energy and water consumption, as well as potential public health and political consequences. Mitch also discusses how the expansion of AI infrastructure can affect local communities and why grassroots organizing, community activism, and public opposition are essential for holding corporations and policymakers accountable. Learn how communities can push back against unchecked data center development and advocate for a more sustainable and responsible approach to AI technology.What We're Talking About...The environmental impact of hyperscale data centers and AI infrastructureData center water consumption, energy use, and strain on local resourcesPotential public health risks associated with data center pollution and emissionsThe influence of Big Tech companies and billionaires on AI and data center policyCommunity organizing and grassroots activism against data center expansionLegislative efforts, moratoriums, and policies aimed at regulating data centers and AI developmentThe potential risks of superintelligent AI and concerns about human extinctionBipartisan efforts to address the environmental and societal impacts of data centers and artificial intelligenceChapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Mitch Jones03:12 The alarming news about AI and its risks04:41 The environmental and health impacts of data centers08:02 Different types of data centers and their scale10:08 Electricity and water usage of hyperscale data centers12:18 Water pollution and chemical use in data centers13:31 Noise and air pollution from data centers14:01 Health impacts of smaller data centers15:10 Disruption of local ecosystems and land use19:02 What individuals can do to oppose data centers20:03 Political landscape and bipartisan support for moratoriums24:00 Legislative actions and bills to regulate AI and data centers25:31 The global race for AI and robotics in China27:18 Community organizing and grassroots efforts28:05 The existential threat of superintelligent AI30:48 The profit motive behind AI development32:26 The potential for unity across political divides33:24 Closing remarks and call to actionLinks MentionedThe Top 10 Reasons Data Centers Must Be Stopped: https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/2026/03/04/the-top-10-reasons-data-centers-must-be-stopped/What Do We Lose When Our Leaders Give Handouts to Data Centers: https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/2026/06/08/data-center-tax-breaks-ohio/Stop Data Centers Now! Campaign Toolkit: https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FOR-WEB-Toolkit_-Stop-the-Data-Center-Buildout-2.pdf