Ep. 76: Young Voters Are Not Okay (And Rebecca Amidon Is Done Waiting)

This week on Beyond Resistance, we’re back from grad party chaos (yes, there were teens, snacks, and existential dread about the economy) and diving straight into the real political conversation America is having right now: young voters are not okay—and they’re not buying the same old political messaging either. Enter Rebecca Amidon, Democratic candidate for Michigan Senate, mom, professor, and low-key expert in “chicken math” (you’ll get it). She’s running a grassroots campaign in a red district, proving once again that local politics + real talk = the future of progressive politics. We get into the big stuff shaping the 2026 election cycle: economic anxiety, student debt, childcare costs that rival a mortgage, and why Gen Z voters are side-eyeing both parties. If you’ve been wondering why voter engagement feels chaotic lately—this is your political podcast explainer. Rebecca shares how navigating healthcare, Medicaid, and public assistance personally flipped the switch from “casually concerned citizen” to “fine, I’ll run for office.” It’s giving major American democracy reboot energy. We also unpack how to win elections in red communities: it’s less about party labels and more about talking real issues like rural healthcare access, public education funding, and wages. (Spoiler: people care about surviving more than slogans.) Oh—and we go there on women in politics. From “smile more” nonsense to impossible perfection standards, this episode is a masterclass in why authentic leadership matters in today’s political landscape. 🔥 If you’re into political podcasts, grassroots campaigns, or just trying to figure out what the heck is happening with U.S. politics right now—this episode’s for you. Because honestly? If not us . . . then who. To learn more about Rebecca Amidon and her campaign: rebeccaamidon.com To learn more about Beyond Resistance and the Blueprint for Building Blue Power: beyondresistancepod.com