On Trauma, Education, and Fighting for Salem with Virginia Stapleton | Episode 24 of Heavy Lifts Podcast

What does leadership look like when it’s built from lived experience?In this episode of Heavy Lifts, Nat Borchers sits down with Virginia Stapleton, Salem native, former City Councilor, and candidate for Oregon State Senate District 11, for a deeply personal conversation about education, trauma, public service, and the long work of building systems that actually work for people.Virginia shares her story growing up in a large family rooted in service, navigating poverty, dropping out of high school, surviving trauma, and eventually finding her way back to education through her GED and college. That journey didn’t just shape her; it reshaped her perspective on success, advocacy, and leadership.The conversation moves from Virginia’s early life to her work on the Salem City Council, her role in launching Salem Bike Vision, and why she believes local politics is where real change happens. She also reflects on polarization, power, and what it takes to lead without losing your humanity.This episode is about more than politics.It’s about resilience, accountability, and choosing to stay in the work, even when it’s heavy.🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify📅 New episodes every Friday at 9AMConnect with us!Nat: @natborchers on Instagram▸ @backlinerealestate on Instagram▸ www.backlinerealestate.com#SalemOregon #CommunityBuilders #HeavyLiftsPodcast #OregonPolitics #StateLeadership #VirginiaStapleton