The Foolish Optimist: N'Kiyla 'Jasmine' Thomas Candidate for US Senate from Oklahoma

Follow Jasmine's Campaign for US Senate out of Oklahoma at NkiylaforOK on all socials Campaigning for Change: N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas on Equity, Representation, and Tribal Sovereignty In this episode of The Foolish Optimist podcast, host Amy McDonald interviews N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas, a senatorial candidate for Oklahoma. Jasmine shares her background as a proud nurse, military spouse, and Chickasaw woman, and discusses her historic run for the U.S. Senate. She emphasizes the importance of fighting for working families, equitable healthcare, and real support for military and special needs families. Jasmine also speaks about her unique perspective as a multiracial woman and addresses key issues in Oklahoma, such as education, housing, and the challenges faced by small businesses. The conversation highlights her commitment to representing and serving all Oklahomans while driving meaningful change. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:15 Jasmine Thomas: Background and Motivation 02:49 Challenges and Experiences in Healthcare 05:01 Tribal Sovereignty and Cultural Preservation 14:49 Housing and Education Issues in Oklahoma 22:46 Accountability in Government and Personal Growth 31:00 Consequences of Industry Misconduct 31:14 Sharing Personal Work Experiences 31:55 The Value of Diverse Professional Backgrounds 32:47 Challenges Faced by Small Business Owners 36:59 Healthcare and Medicaid Issues 41:46 Voter Turnout and Political Engagement 48:07 Campaign Strategies and Community Involvement 51:53 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks