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