In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Ethan Wechtaluk, a congressional candidate in Maryland’s 6th District and a survivor of the Virginia Tech shooting. Ethan shares how surviving a mass shooting shaped his political awakening and motivated his run for Congress. The conversation explores the role of lived experience in leadership, the urgent need for healthcare reform, and why stronger, more compassionate political representation matters. Ethan also discusses community resilience, the responsibility of privileged voices to advocate for marginalized communities, and how policy can empower future generations to dream bigger and build a more just future.

What We're Talking About...

• Ethan Wechtaluk is a congressional candidate running in Maryland’s 6th District.
• As a Virginia Tech shooting survivor, Ethan’s lived experience strongly informs his political values and leadership approach.
• The episode challenges the political status quo and calls for meaningful systemic change.
• Healthcare reform is a central pillar of Ethan’s campaign and policy priorities.
• He supports responsible gun ownership alongside common-sense gun safety laws.
• Community engagement and grassroots organizing are essential for driving political change.
• Ethan’s decision to run for Congress was motivated by protecting family, friends, and future generations.
• He believes political leadership should focus on empowering young people to dream bigger and demand better.
• Privilege carries a responsibility to advocate for marginalized and underrepresented communities.
• The conversation emphasizes that change is possible—and urgently needed—in American politics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ethan Wechtaluk

03:10 Challenging the Status Quo in Politics

06:02 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Political Views

12:01 Healthcare as a Central Issue

17:20 The Journey to Running for Office

23:05 Empowering Future Generations

27:00 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

30:30 The Impact of Parenting on Political Awareness

31:00 Using Privilege for Positive Change

Links Mentioned

Ethan Wechtaluk's campaign website: https://www.ethanformd.com

In this special bonus episode of Beyond The Campaign, Senator Richard Blumenthal addresses a leaked whistleblower memo exposing ICE policies that threaten fundamental constitutional protections, including the Fourth Amendment. He explains why these practices mark a dangerous escalation of government power and why every American—not just immigrant communities—should be paying attention. Blumenthal calls for immediate public scrutiny, legal accountability, and civic action, making clear that protecting civil liberties requires an informed public willing to push back before these abuses become normalized.

What We're Talking About...

1. Americans should be afraid of the secret ICE policy.
2. The memo reveals a violation of the Fourth Amendment.
3. Disclosure and transparency are crucial for accountability.
4. Public safety is at risk with these policies.
5. Community activism is essential in response to government actions.
6. Legal action is necessary to challenge ICE's practices.
7. Citizens must educate themselves about administrative warrants.
8. Representatives should be pressured to impose safeguards.
9. The situation reflects a broader issue of government overreach.
10. Every voice can create a ripple effect for change.

Chapters

00:00 The Alarming Whistleblower Memo

02:51 Legal and Constitutional Implications

05:39 Public Response and Accountability

08:12 The Role of Community and Activism

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, Tessa Lynn Hodge discusses her transition from licensed clinical social worker to Democratic congressional candidate in California’s 23rd District. Tessa shares insights into what it takes to run for Congress in one of the largest and most geographically diverse districts in the state, including the logistical challenges of campaigning and the importance of deeply understanding the communities you aim to represent.

Throughout the conversation, Tessa emphasizes the urgent need for effective political representation and outlines her policy priorities, including healthcare accessibility, food insecurity, and addressing systemic inequities impacting working families. She also reflects on how her professional background in social work and her personal experiences have shaped her approach to leadership and public service. Listeners will gain a behind-the-scenes look at grassroots campaigning, team building, and the motivations driving a new generation of candidates to seek meaningful change in American politics.

What We're Talking About...

• Tessa Lynn Hodge’s background as a licensed clinical social worker directly shapes her approach to public service and congressional campaigning.
• Understanding district geography is essential when running for Congress, especially in California’s large and diverse 23rd District.
• Healthcare accessibility remains a critical issue in rural and underserved communities across the district.
• Building a strong, values-driven campaign team is key to running an effective grassroots campaign.
• Personal and professional experiences motivate Tessa’s commitment to systemic change and political reform.
• Food insecurity continues to impact working families and rural populations within the district.
• Community engagement and listening to constituents are vital for meaningful political representation.
• Tessa’s family background informs her understanding of local economic and social challenges.
• Proposition 50 plays a significant role in shaping campaign strategy and voter education efforts.
• Campaign funding remains one of the biggest challenges for first-time and grassroots congressional candidates.

Chapters

00:00 Tessa Lynn Hodge's Introduction and Background

02:41 Transition from Social Work to Politics

05:20 Campaigning in a Large District

08:08 Building a Supportive Team

11:03 Impact of Prop 50 on Campaign Strategy

13:35 Connecting with Rural Communities

16:17 Personal Background and Motivation

18:59 Healthcare Accessibility Issues

21:49 Addressing Food Insecurity

24:39 Support from Family and Community

27:10 Campaign Needs and Closing Remarks

Links Mentioned

Tessa Lynn Hodge's campaign website: http://tessaforca.com

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Salaam Bhatti, a public interest attorney and Democratic candidate for Congress in Virginia’s First Congressional District. Bhatti shares his personal journey into public service and explains why voter engagement and grassroots organizing are critical to the future of the Democratic Party.

The conversation explores the growing affordability crisis facing working families, the influence of corporate money in politics, and the urgent need for progressive policies such as Medicare for All. Bhatti also discusses how new media and podcasts are reshaping political campaigns by helping candidates connect directly with voters outside traditional political channels.

This episode offers insight into congressional campaigns, progressive policy priorities, and the challenges facing democracy in today’s political landscape.

What We're Talking About...

• Salaam Bhatti is a public interest attorney and Democratic candidate for Congress in Virginia’s First Congressional District.
• Strong voter engagement and grassroots participation are essential to a healthy democracy.
• Poverty in the United States is a policy choice and can be addressed through intentional legislative action.
• Medicare for All is a central pillar of Bhatti’s progressive policy platform.
• The Democratic Party must articulate a clearer, more values-driven vision to energize voters.
• Family dynamics and personal relationships play a meaningful role in political campaigns.
• The affordability crisis—including housing, healthcare, and cost of living—is the most urgent issue facing Americans today.
• The current political moment represents a potential turning point for systemic change.
• Campaign finance reform is critical to reducing corporate influence in politics.
• New media and digital platforms are transforming how political candidates connect directly with voters.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Salaam Bhatti

04:12 Personal Experiences Shaping Political Views

07:04 The Importance of Progressive Policies

10:01 Engagement in the Political Process

13:05 Family Dynamics and Political Aspirations

16:02 The Role of Children in Political Awareness

19:14 Addressing the Affordability Crisis

21:58 The Revolutionary Moment in Politics

25:10 Campaign Financing and Corporate Influence

27:57 Voter Education and Engagement

31:12 Conclusion and Call to Action

31:27 Understanding Political Representation

31:55 Engaging with Local Leaders

Links Mentioned

Salaam Bhatti's Link Tree: linktr.ee/salaambhattiva

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Nathan Sage, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Iowa, to discuss his journey from growing up in poverty to serving in the military and entering national politics. Nathan shares how his working-class background and military experience shape his commitment to authentic representation for everyday Americans.

The conversation explores the challenges facing veterans, the importance of family and personal values in political leadership, and why working-class voices are often excluded from political spaces. Nathan emphasizes the need for real, honest conversations across political divides and the power of listening to people’s lived experiences.

Throughout the episode, Nathan advocates for increased political engagement from everyday people and calls for leaders who will fight for the rights of women, veterans, and marginalized communities. This episode offers an honest look at grassroots politics, representation, and what it means to run for office with integrity.

What We're Talking About...

• The importance of authentic political representation for working-class Americans in U.S. politics
• Nathan Sage’s journey from poverty to military service to U.S. Senate candidate, highlighting lived experience in leadership
• Why veterans need stronger government support, resources, and advocacy
• The role of family values in political leadership and motivation to run for office
• How personal stories drive political engagement and voter connection
• The need for real conversations about everyday life, not just partisan talking points
• Why listening to people’s struggles matters in creating effective public policy
• Advocating for working-class rights and economic fairness at the federal level
• A shift toward more authentic, grassroots leadership in modern political campaigns
• The power of community engagement and grassroots organizing in building political change

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nathan Sage

01:23 The Journey to Politics

05:46 Veterans and Their Treatment

10:39 Fatherhood and Political Responsibility

14:38 Personal Experiences with Reproductive Rights

19:14 The Importance of Authentic Conversations

24:01 Bridging Political Divides

29:19 Conclusion and Call to Action

30:39 The Importance of Authentic Leadership

31:08 Building Community Through Storytelling

Links Mentioned

Nathan Sage's campaign website: https://www.sageforsenate.com

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with civil rights lawyer and California Lieutenant Governor candidate Oliver Ma for an in-depth conversation about immigration, social justice, and grassroots political leadership. Oliver shares his personal journey as an immigrant and how it shaped his commitment to civil rights, equity, and community-driven change across California.

The discussion explores urgent issues facing the state, including the housing crisis, immigrant rights, and the role of the Lieutenant Governor in advancing progressive policy. Oliver offers powerful personal stories that reveal the real-world impact of immigration laws and explains why community involvement and advocacy are essential to creating lasting change. This episode highlights what a people-powered campaign looks like—and why fighting for justice and opportunity matters now more than ever.

What We're Talking About...

• Oliver Ma is a civil rights lawyer, immigrant advocate, and candidate for California Lieutenant Governor.
• His campaign focuses on building a California that works for working families and everyday people.
• Oliver is running a grassroots, people-powered campaign funded by small donors—not corporations.
• California’s housing crisis is being driven by rising costs and the influence of corporate landlords.
• Immigrant families are frequently targeted by harmful policies and need stronger legal protections.
• The for-profit immigration detention system is corrupt, exploitative, and causes lasting harm.
• California has the power to block state resources from supporting immigration detention centers.
• Social justice, equity, and civil rights are at the core of Oliver Ma’s platform.
• Community organizing and civic engagement are essential for meaningful political change.
• Oliver’s campaign prioritizes training volunteers to create long-term, sustainable impact.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Oliver's Journey

02:37 Running for Lieutenant Governor: A Mission for the People

04:36 The Impact of Rapid Response Teams

10:08 Personal Experiences as an Immigrant

13:21 California's Challenges and Opportunities

17:38 Core Issues: Housing, Immigration, and Social Justice

21:31 The Role of California in Federal Policies

24:29 Community Engagement and Volunteerism

29:31 Empowering Immigrants: A Call to Action

30:01 The Importance of Voting and Civic Engagement

Links Mentioned

Oliver Ma's campaign website: oliverma2026.com

Oliver Ma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliverforca/#

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Mac Deford, a veteran, attorney, and Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in South Carolina, to discuss his path from service to public leadership. Deford shares how his military background and legal career shaped his commitment to public service and informed his decision to run for office.

The conversation explores key issues impacting South Carolinians, including affordable housing, the rising cost of living, and the challenges facing working families. Deford outlines his vision for responsible, community-focused leadership and explains why engaging voters and investing in the next generation are essential to creating lasting change. This episode offers insight into the motivations behind Deford’s campaign and the policies he believes are critical for building a more equitable future.

What We're Talking About...

• Mac Deford, a U.S. military veteran and Democratic candidate for Congress in South Carolina, shares his motivation for running for office.
• Deford identifies affordable housing as a critical solution to the growing cost of living crisis facing families.
• His military service strongly influences his approach to public service and leadership.
• Deford stresses the need for responsible, accountable leadership in Congress.
• He is committed to creating a better future for the next generation of Americans.
• The episode highlights the economic and social challenges facing South Carolina communities.
• Deford’s campaign centers on community engagement, service, and voter connection.
• He calls for greater transparency and investigation into current government policies.
• Deford shares how being a father shapes his political priorities and values.
• His campaign aims to flip a competitive congressional seat in South Carolina.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mac DeFord and Charleston

02:24 Mac's Journey: From Coast Guard to Congress

05:18 The Challenges of Coast Guard Law Enforcement

07:57 Current Issues in the Caribbean and Coast Guard Operations

10:28 Accountability in Government and Military Decisions

13:05 The Impact of Parenthood on Political Aspirations

15:33 Addressing the Cost of Living Crisis

18:11 Housing Affordability and Community Needs

20:51 The Role of Tariffs and Economic Policy

23:47 The Need for Ordinary People in Politics

26:28 Closing Thoughts and How to Support Mac DeFord

Links Mentioned

Mac Deford's campaign website: www.defordforcongress.com

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac interviews Michigan Sheriff Chris Swanson about his transition from law enforcement to running for governor of Michigan. Sheriff Swanson reflects on his nationally recognized leadership during the George Floyd protests, sharing how empathy, unity, and optimism shaped his response and continue to influence his approach to public service. He discusses his personal background, the pivotal moments that brought him into the political arena, and his vision for building a safer, more connected Michigan. This episode explores the power of compassionate leadership, bridging political divides, and inspiring meaningful change at the community and state levels.

What We're Talking About...

• Sheriff Chris Swanson highlights the role of optimism as a cornerstone of effective leadership.
• He believes strong leaders inspire others by recognizing their potential and leading with purpose.
• Unity and collaboration are essential for creating lasting progress in communities and government.
• His leadership philosophy was deeply shaped by his experience during the George Floyd protests.
• Swanson’s approach to law enforcement centers on empathy, accountability, and human connection.
• He is focused on building a movement for positive change across Michigan.
• Family support plays a critical role in sustaining leaders in demanding public service positions.
• Listening to community needs and responding with action defines his leadership style.
• Swanson advocates for confronting division and hate to strengthen society as a whole.
• His run for governor of Michigan represents a natural next step in expanding his impact and driving systemic change.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:26 Leadership and Optimism in Law Enforcement

07:14 The Impact of George Floyd's Murder

10:12 The Unity March and Community Response

13:17 Empathy and Leadership in Crisis

16:24 Running for Governor: A Vision for Change

19:27 Personal Life and Support System

22:00 Addressing Division and Hate

25:20 Future Aspirations and Campaign Goals

32:29 A Breath of Fresh Air: Sheriff Swanson's Vision

33:25 Building Better Communities Together

Links Mentioned

Sheriff Chris Swanson's campaign website: https://swansonformichigan.com

Sheriff Chris Swanson's TEDx Talk: “Let’s Walk” - Sheriff Chris Swanson’s TEDx Talk