Ep. 57: From Wu Tang to One Team: Curtis Hertel’s Guide to Fixing the Party

Strap in, organizers and blue state dreamers — this week on Beyond Resistance, Sarah and Jennifer sit down with Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel Jr. for a conversation that’s equal parts real talk, strategy session, and “wait… did he really just say Wu Tang Clan?” vibes. Curtis brings the heat on what went wrong in 2024, what gives him hope heading into 2026, and why listening — like actual listening — might be the secret sauce to rebuilding Democratic power across Michigan (and every other red leaning corner of the country). From grassroots organizing to dignity for working class voters to why community members—not consultants from Delaware—should be calling the shots, Curtis lays out a blueprint that’s both refreshingly honest and totally actionable. You’ll hear stories about Midland’s slow but mighty march left, the pitfalls of transactional politics, the struggle to rebuild trust in communities that felt abandoned, and the surprising amount of wisdom gained from knock down losses. Plus, Curtis shares his “comeback playlist,” his multigenerational family story of public service, and a childhood memory involving a red wagon that will melt even the most hardened organizer’s heart. If you’re fired up about building blue power in red places, this episode is basically your new caffeine source. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to level up your organizing game — because the 2026 Blue Wave isn’t going to build itself! Speaking of building a Blue Wave, download our free Beyond Resistance Blueprint: 5 Steps for Building Blue Power: beyondresistancepod.com @MIDemocraticParty