Ep. 83: Fish in the Basement & Other Signs of Unchecked Capitalism: How Storytelling Wins Elections

This week on Beyond Resistance, Sarah and Jennifer are bringing the vibes, the stories, and maybe a few fish-in-the-basement flashbacks. They kick things off by talking about the growing wave of progressive wins around the country and what those victories might mean for the future of Democratic politics. The big takeaway? Voters aren't just looking for a party label anymore—they want fighters, vision, and candidates who actually show up. The conversation then shifts to one of Michigan's hottest political topics: AI, data centers, and who should benefit from the technology revolution. Sarah shares why she's fired up about Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's approach to AI regulation—one that balances innovation, environmental responsibility, and making sure communities, not just billionaires, reap the rewards. But the heart of this episode is all about storytelling. Why do some messages stick while others fade away? Sarah and Jennifer explore how real stories—from campaign trails, front porches, floods, and everyday life—have the power to change minds, build empathy, and move people to action. From conversations with skeptical voters to personal experiences with public assistance and disaster recovery, they show how storytelling turns political talking points into human connection. If you're a candidate, activist, organizer, or just someone trying to make a difference, this episode is your reminder: facts matter, but stories are what people remember. And yes, you'll hear about a MAGA voter, a collapsing fair booth roof, and fish swimming in a flooded basement. Politics is weird sometimes. For more information about Brian Irizarry: https://www.brianirizarry.com For more information about Beyond Resistance: https://www.beyondresistancepod.com