From Startups to Statehouses: Rebuilding Politics from the Ground Up

In this high-energy and thought-provoking episode of People, Politics and Pork, hosts Newell Clark and Greg Webb welcome entrepreneur, author, and political reform advocate Neil Thanedar to the mic. From surviving snowstorms and Olympic obsessions to diving headfirst into campaign finance reform, this conversation covers serious ground — with plenty of Triple P flavor along the way. Neil, Executive Director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network and author of Positive Politics, breaks down the concept of "dark money" in politics and explains how investigative work and grassroots reform can bring transparency back to government. He shares how independent redistricting, ballot initiatives, and focused issue advocacy can create real structural change — not just noise on social media. The conversation also explores his background in startup culture, his experience with Y Combinator, and how the mindset of an "ambitious optimist" could reshape public service for a new generation. With Newell and Greg asking the big questions — about corruption, civic engagement, and how regular folks can actually make a difference — this episode blends policy insight with neighborly candor. It's a reminder that meaningful change doesn't start in Washington — it starts locally, with people willing to roll up their sleeves. 🎧 Listen now wherever you stream podcasts — Apple, Spotify, iHeart, and more. If this episode sparked something in you, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to move from outrage to action. Let's keep it spinning.