Episode 26 | Jake! Not State Farm (Part One)

Rich and Kevin welcome longtime political staffer and campaign strategist Jacob Orvis. From his Statesboro, GA roots to campaign war rooms across Georgia, Jake shares his journey from intern to operative and the unexpected lessons learned along the way.The trio reflects on grits and growth: how food built campaign families, how campaigns forge lifelong relationships, and how one Google Form changed Jacob’s life—both professionally and personally. It’s part origin story, part masterclass on political mentorship, and part roast—with cameos from Cory Booker etiquette fails, HBCU food spots, and one unforgettable Dogzilla hot dog incident.📍(00:30) - Southern Hospitality & Campaign MealsWhy feeding your people matters—and how Rich’s tradition of buying lunch helped shape Jake’s approach to mentorship.📍(09:00) - Statesboro Stories & Georgia Southern RejectionsJake breaks down his hometown, growing up with two chemist parents, and how Morehouse shaded Georgia Southern’s "Harvard of the South" claim.📍(21:00) - Finding Politics at Georgia TechJake opens up about switching from pre-med to politics, discovering the field through college Dems, and accidentally dressing like Tom Cruise for a Cory Booker event.📍(25:00) - Campaign Life & Learning by DoingFrom interning at the Georgia Dems to working with Rich on major campaigns, Jake shares key lessons about persistence, execution, and learning on the fly.📍(38:00) - Finding Love in the FieldHow a campaign internship form led to meeting Maria, now his wife and professional partner—and why political life is often personal too.🏆 Mamba Mentality Award Jacob Orvis gets this week’s Mamba Mentality Award for his adaptability, hustle, and commitment to getting the job done—whether it's bodying a U.S. Senator or building spreadsheets in the trenches.