Ep. 90: Optimistically Nervous: Michigan’s Progressive Primary Gamble

The Beyond Resistance crew is taking a quick summer breather, but not before squeezing in a conversation about two things Midwesterners apparently love: politics and camping. Jennifer and Sarah kick things off with excitement about their brand-new podcast studio (yes, it's in a basement, no, you won't be able to tell) and debate whether camping is a relaxing getaway or just remote work with mosquitoes. Then they dive into a timely conversation about primary elections: when they're healthy, when they're messy, and why they can shape the future of a political party. The discussion explores the balance between competition and unity, the difference between ideological debates and ego-driven campaigns, and why some primaries become much bigger than the candidates themselves. Along the way, they talk about the energy behind progressive candidates, what it takes to expand the Democratic tent, and why young and independent voters may be looking for something different than conventional political wisdom suggests. Think of it as a masterclass in party-building with a side of optimistic nervousness, which Jennifer has officially accepted as a lifelong personality trait. And because this is Beyond Resistance, the episode wraps up with the truly important issues: foil packet dinners, tiny hippie campers, cherry hobo pies, and whether sausage should have that weird skin snap. (Jennifer has thoughts.) Links & Resources: 📰 Medium Article: https://tinyurl.com/dase85v3 🧵 Threads Thread: https://tinyurl.com/54xyacbj 🎙️ Follow Beyond Resistance for more hard-won insights on building blue power in red communities, one election, organizing conversation, and camping recipe at a time.